Paris: Propriete de l'Auteur; chez les Principaux Marchands de Musique. [ca. 1815]. A remarkable association copy inscribed from the important Italian composer, one of the central figures in the development of the "opera semiseria" at the start of the 19th century, to the most celebrated soprano of the age, likely in the year of her first appearance in Paris. Upright folio. Title; 2 - 18 pp. Engraved throughout. Inscribed at the head of the title page in brown ink "Alla Santa, ed ... Giuditta Pasta - L'Amico suo / L'Autore." Bound with string along the spine, edges and center of score a little creased and worn, some staining to the internal pages, else fine. Read More...
Postcard portrait of the great Italian tenor with a facsimile AMQS from his role as Chopin in the opera by Giacomo Orefice, and with an autograph signature in bold ink to the right of the image. Orefice's fancified version of the composer's life premiered at the Teatro Lirico, Milan, in 1901, and Bassi recorded excerpts from the opera ca. 1903-1905. The postcard is addressed on the verso to the Argentinian collector Ramona Imaz Otaño and postmarked April 14, 1904. In fine condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm). Read More...
Autograph document signed by the French court musician and composer of many airs de cour, one of the most important early seventeenth-century French composers. Paris, October 14, 1614. Boësset acknowledges the receipt of a sum of money "for his ordinary wages" as "Mre de la musique de la Chambre du Roy," and the document is countersigned by two court officials. 1 p. on vellum, 11.25 x 5.5 inches (28.7 x 14 cm). Read More...
Original program for a farewell concert given by the important Italian soprano in London on November 6, 1919. Tetrazzini, about to sail for the United States, performed at the Royal Albert Hall with Lenghi Cellini, Albert Sammons, PEter Dawson, and Pietro Cimara. The attractive Art Nouveau program includes stylized engraved and woodcut portraits of the singers. 12 pp. Overall toning and light creasing, edge wear, and some wear to the spine, but overall in very good condition. Read More...
Autograph note from the legendary Golden Age soprano to the important French impresario, arranging to come to visit him that afternoon. Postmarked Paris, July 17, 1906. Perforated edges; folding creases; overall in very good condition. 9 x 5.25 inches (22.6 x 13.4 cm).
Charming autograph letter from the important nineteenth-century singer to a female friend and pianist, organizing an evening of chamber music and reporting an amusing mistake made by her maid. Dated Thursday, March 29. Translated from the French: "Dear young friend, Will you be so kind as to bring the (simple) quartet version of the Bach Concerto? I cannot find my orchestra parts any more. Don't be late -- I have had a nice Pleyel brought for you. We will play in the Galerie -- it will be charming. [...] We'll begin with the beautiful Schumann string quartet. Can you imagine, my new maid, who brought your answer yesterday evening, said [...] that you would come this evening, but that you were too tired to play... Pantomime!!!! Isn't that lovely?" 3 pp. on a small bifolium with Viardot's monogram. In fine condition. 6 x 4 inches (15.4 x 10 cm). Read More...
A very striking original press photograph of the great tenor lying in state, with a young boy looking down into the coffin. Press caption on the verso reads (translated from the German): "In honor of Caruso's memory, his body, which was embalmed at the time of his death and is wonderfully preserved, is dressed every three years in the latest fashion. The ceremony, which is not widely known to the public, is carried out by his closest friends." 5.1 x 7.3 inches. Read More...
New York: Gershwin Publishing Corporation. 1935. First edition, 2nd issue. A remarkable copy of this important work, inscribed by Todd Duncan, the first singer to play the role of Porgy. Signed and inscibed on the title verso, opposite the Index of Scenes "To --- / Best wish from 'Porgy' 1935 / Todd Duncan 1989." Read More...
Signed postcard photograph of the renowned French-Spanish soprano in her role as Oscar in Un ballo in maschera. Boldly signed in purple ink along the right edge. In very fine condition. 3.5 x 5.25 inches (8.6 x 13.5 cm). Read More...
Stupendous original signed Setzer of Vienna photograph of the great Moravian soprano, a star in Vienna and at the Metropolitan Opera, and the creator of important roles in Strauss, Janacek, Korngold, Wolf-Ferrari, and Suppe. She is shown in an elaborate costume and has boldly signed at the foot and dated 1931. Stamped on the verso by the photographer. In very fine condition. 6 x 8.75 inches (15 x 22.4 cm).
Rare signed postcard showing the Spanish operatic tenor, Golden age rival of Caruso and Bonci, who, in the course of his international career, earned a reputation as one of the most ‘difficult’ performers of his day. The postcard is signed and poetically inscribed in fountain pen in Spanish and signed “F. Constantino,” adding “Madrid 27-12-1904,” next to his image. Addressed on the verso to the Argentinian collector Ramona Imaz Otaño, with the original Spanish stamps and postmark. In fine condition. 5.5 x 3.5 inches (13.6 x 8.8 cm).
A lovely photograph portrait postcard of the legendary coloratura soprano, signed and inscribed with "affectionate greetings to the beautiful [Argentinian collector] Miss Ramona Imaz Otaño," and dated at the Grand Hotel No. 15, May 11, 1907. Addressed to Otaño on the verso with original stamp and postmark. In very fine condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14.2 cm). Read More...