Composers, Opera and Musicians
LIVE AND INTERNET SALE - PART I
BEGINS AT 1 PM EASTERN, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2002

 

A very early Mendelssohn musical quote

452. FELIX MENDELSSOHN (1809 - 1847) German composer of symphonies, concertos, and operas, well known for his overture "A Midsummer Night's Dream". A fine and very rare lengthy A.M.Q.S. "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" 1p. 4to., Paris, Mar. 22, 1832, a full page, seven staves of music titled "Canon a 3" (third canon) with bass accompaniment in 4/4 time. Beautifully penned and signed at bottom by the 21-year-old composer. At the time he penned this quote, Mendelssohn had traveled throughout Europe, becoming a sought-after conductor before returning to Paris. Beautifully matted with blue marbleized accents and set, with a portrait engraving, into a dark wood frame. In exceptionally clean condition, unexamined out of frame.$6,000-8,000

"All my Copyright and Interest...in...Grande Sonata Op. 58..."

453. FREDERIC CHOPIN (1810 - 1849) Polish composer and pianist of the romantic school, regarded by some as the greatest of all composers of music for the piano. Chopin's many published compositions include 55 mazurkas, 27 études, 24 preludes, 19 nocturnes, 13 polonaises, and three piano sonatas. Exceptionally rare fine content D.S. "Frederic Chopin" 1p. oblong 8vo., Paris, May 16, 1845, a partly-printed document in which Chopin sells to Wessel & Co. of London, "...All my Copyright and Interest, present and future, vested and contingent, or otherwise...in the following work: 2de Grande Sonata Op. 58 `La berceuse' Op. 57 ded. to Mlle. [?]...". Signed at conclusion. Right fifth of document was at one time water damaged with some paper loss. It has been expertly restored, with no loss of text, and only the ascender of the `h" in signature has been lost. Matted and framed with silvered wood fillets and frame, ready for display. $6,000-8,000

An original Kern score

454. JEROME KERN (1889 - 1945) American composer best known for his scores for musical comedies (Showboat), and songs such as "Old Man River" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". Rare and most desirable A.Ms.S., 4pp. folio, [n.p., n.d. but ca. early 1920s], an ink handwritten musical score for his vocal duet originally entitled "The Ship's Bell" in the hand of Kern, crossed out and re-titled "The Lovely Lorelei", and signed "Jerome Kern" at the upper-right corner of the first page. The score's new title is in the hand of noted lyricist ANNE CALDWELL (1876 - 1936), with whom Kern collaborated on many recordings such as Night Boat, and she additionally signs at upper-left "Anne Caldwell". Obtained by us from a direct descendant of noted musical director and conductor Victor Baravalle (1885-1939). Baravalle collaborated closely with Kern, serving as musical director and conductor for the original 1927 Broadway production of "Show Boat", as well as the 1936 film of the same name. Indeed, a 1932 Variety article notes that Baravalle collaborated closely with Kern since 1916, and adds: "...Kern depends so much on Mr. Baravalle that he insists on this gentleman directing every musical show that he writes...". Apparently unpublished, this song was likely used during a benefit performance at the Metropolitan for the Actors Equity Association or Lamb's Gambol, N.Y.C., where it would have been conducted by Baravalle himself. The lyrics begin: "I remember reading in an old mythology, of a lady called the Lor-e-lei, In the olden time she was a vampire of the sea...". Bearing pencil corrections as well as the original ink music and lyrics. A vertical fold, slight fold tear and minor marginal wear, overall in very good condition. A superb association piece!$3,000-4,000

The best Caruso self-portrait!

455. ENRICO CARUSO (1873 - 1921) Italian tenor and very possibly the greatest of all time. His repertoire was comprised of over 40 operas, especially I Pagliacci and La Boheme. An incredible Caruso piece, a fabulous triple self-portrait, 14" x 12", Cleveland, May 11, 1908, showing the tenor in three highly-detailed pen and ink poses, one from the neck, up, a full-length portrait singing, and another singing in front of a piano with musical notes streaming from his mouth, very boldly executed on a cream sheet and inscribed at lower left with a huge 5" signature: "To Dr. B. J. Hammon [?] with grateful remembrance Enrico Caruso, Cleveland, May 11, 1908". Matted with marbleized accents and set, with light green velour mat, into a handsome wood frame. In very good condition, not examined out of frame. The best Caruso self-portrait we've ever seen!$2,500-3,500

456. JOHANN STRAUSS II (1825 - 1899) Composer, son of Johann Strauss, who despite his father's objections, studied music and became the foremost composer of Waltz music earning him the nickname "The Waltz King". Best known for "The Blue Danube" (1867). Fine and scarce A.M.Q.S. 1p. 12mo., [n.p., n.d.], two measures from his most famous composition, "The Blue Danube Waltz", signed beneath and marked "Boston". Handsomely framed with a portrait engraving in a lavish gold frame. In very good condition, a fine example for display. Unexamined out of frame. $2,500-3,500

"Follow the Fleet"

457. IRVING BERLIN (1888 - 1989) American songwriter who penned over 1,000 tunes including "God Bless America" and "There's No Business Like Show Business". An exceptional Berlin item, a folio-sized leather-bound compilation of his songs from the 1936 film "Follow the Fleet" which includes the music and lyrics for the songs "We Saw the Sea", "Get Thee Behind Satan", "Let Yourself Go", "I'd Rather Lead A Band", "I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket", "Let's Face The Music And Dance" and "But Where Are You". Boldly inscribed on the front flyleaf: "To Eddie with my best wishes Irving Berlin". Very good to fine condition. $700-900

458. ARRIGO BOITO (1842 - 1918) Italian librettist and composer, known for
his opera Mephistopheles and librettos for Verdi's operas Falstaff and Othello. Fine content, uncommon A.L.S. "Arrigo Boito" 2pp. 8vo., [n.p.], Nov. 4, [n.y.], in Italian to an unnamed recipient whom he addressed as "Carissima amica". In part: "...Your author alluded to the last prerogative in the Fifth Symphony. Your...is precisely in the 28th and 18th measures, first from the Presto which crowns the opera...These characteristics pace the words: courage, sincerity, indomitable resolution, all this is fine, [in English] all right...The page that ends the citation [?]...is very good in your translation. Give my best wishes to your husband and Marthe, and may your work be...tranquil...". Very attractively matted in dark green with a bust portrait, and set into a beautiful scrolled gilt frame. In very good condition, unexamined out of frame. Ideal for display. $600-800

459. JOHANNNES BRAHMS (1833 - 1897) German composer and pianist, a prime exponent of the Romantic school of composition who composed symphonies, piano works, concertos, and his famous "Lullaby". A.L.S. "J. Br" on the verso of a postcard sent to a friend in Berlin, [n.p.], 1896, in German. Craving tobacco, Brahms writes: "...May I abuse your halt on your journey there and ask you to send me here 20 of the attractive and beloved little blue packets of Caporal...tax officials treat spa guests more obligingly than they do inhabitants of Vienna...I take it Hanslick has meanwhile left for Vienna?...". Very good. $800-1,200

460. ENRICO CARUSO (1873 - 1921) Italian tenor and very possibly the greatest of all time. His repertoire was comprised of over 40 operas, especially I Pagliacci and La Boheme. Absolutely beautiful S.P., 7" x 9 1/4" sepia, a superb casual image of Caruso showing him leaning toward the camera with a cigarette holder in hand, signed with a large, bold and impressive hand: "Enrico Caruso 1917". This is easily the finest Caruso signed photo we've handled. But for a tiny chip in the lower-right blank corner, this item is in fine condition. $500-700

461. PLACIDO DOMINGO (b. 1941) Spanish opera star, a renowned baritone who has appeared in over 400 operas. A superb Domingo item, a very handsome, large 11" x 13" b/w limited edition lithograph of a fine drawing by artist SELENE FUNG, numbered 71/300, showing the baritone in head and shoulders. Very boldly signed by Domingo at lower left in dark pencil, and additionally signed and numbered by the artist at lower right. Presented beautifully in forest green matting and set into a superior, carved gilt frame. In fine condition, unexamined out of frame...a terrific item for display! $500-700

A fine A.M.Q.S.

462. EDVARD GRIEG (1843 - 1907) Norwegian composer considered the founder of the Norwegian school of composition, composed music for Peer Gynt and Sigurd Jorsalfar. Fine and scarce A.M.Q.S. 1p. oblong 8vo., his home "Troldhaugen", Bergen (Norway), Dec. 5, 1900, a four double-measure quotation from Op. 68 (Lyric Pieces IX), with the instructions "Allegretto Cantabile" at top. Beneath the quote, Grieg has penned a lengthy inscription to Mary St. John-Mildmay on the occasion of her "musiklische". Handsomely set, with a portrait, in brown matting with marbleized accents, and framed in a dark wood frame. A few small foxed spots at top, not affecting autograph, else very good condition, unexamined out of frame.$2,000-3,000

463. VICTOR HERBERT (1859 - 1924) American composer and conductor, composer of "Babes in Toyland" and two grand operas, Natomas and Madeleine. Attractive autograph musical score signed "Victor Herbert" 4pp. sm. folio, [n.p., n.d.], three full pages of music in Herbert's hand, titled at top: "A Wedding Procession" with instruction for the piece to be played "Very moderate march-time Very Gaily". Certainly suitable for framing! Two tiny chips in right blank margin, else very good.$600-800

"News of poison travels far and fast..."

464. FRANZ LISZT (1811 - 1886) Hungarian composer and piano virtuoso, inventor of the symphonic poem and composer of dozens of works including symphonies, piano compositions, and choral music. Good content A.L.S. "F. Liszt" 1p. 8vo., Weimar, Mar. 24, 1882 in German to Prof. Otto Lermann, the director of a French and German music magazine. In part: "...Well Beloved Friend: As to my piano recital at the next celebration of the performing artists' meeting at Zurich, conflicting projects require me to ask your friendly forgiveness. On [Hans von] Bulow I must write that news of poison always travels far and fast...". With holograph transmittal envelope, fine condition, both very nicely matted with a portrait photograph and set into a silvered wood frame, not examined out of frame. $700-900

465. JULES MASSENET (1842 - 1912) French composer of operas, concertos and ballets whose works include Manon, Sapho, and Don Quichotte. Superb, lengthy A.M.Q.S. 1p. folio, [n.p.], Mar. 23, 1885, a ten-bar musical manuscript entitled "Misere", with the directions "Modere et tres soutenu" at top, vocal piece for tenors and bass, beautifully penned on a printed sheet of staves. Inscribed in French at right margin: "To my excellent and dear Director M. DuGunnd, J. Massenet 23 March 85". A couple of small foxed spots and a small fold tear at margin, else very good condition.$500-700

466. SERGE PROKOFIEV (1891 - 1953) Russian composer of Peter and the Wolf, music for the Sergei Eisenstein films Alexander Nevsky and Ivan the Terrible, and numerous operas, ballets and concertos. Rare A.L.S. "Serge Prokofieff" 1p. 8vo., New York, Oct. 27, 1920 to a Mr. Brinton. In part: "...Thank you for your kind note. I was in the hotel when you came in, but in the other room. Please, phone me, so as we could meet before I go to Chicago...". Very good. This was Prokofiev's most productive period: he had made America his base since 1918, and within months would relocate to France where he worked at his opera The Fiery Angel. $800-$1,200

Two bars from Madame Butterfly

V467. GIACOMO PUCCINI (1858 - 1924) Italian operatic composer whose works include La Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. Fine and scarce A.M.Q.S. 1p. 8vo., [n.p.], Dec. 16, 1907, two bars of music titled "Butterfly" from his opera Madame Butterfly, very boldly penned on a sheet of his imprinted Torre de Lago notepaper, and inscribed beneath in Italian to a "nubil signor Cantacuzene". Puccini traveled to New York in February 1907 to oversee the rehearsals and premieres of four of his operas, whose numbers included Butterfly, which premiered at the Metropolitan Opera just four days before he penned this quote, on Dec. 10, 1907. The Cantacuzene to whom this quote is dedicated could well have been a member of the Russian family of nobles into which Julia Grant married. Folds and a bit of smearing to the "G" in his signature, otherwise in very good condition. Handsomely matted with marbleized accents and a fine vintage portrait and set into a wooden frame, unexamined out of frame. An ideal piece for display!$1,500-2,000

468. GIACOMO PUCCINI A superb association piece, an original printed score of Puccini's 1904 opera La Fanciulla del West, 338pp., New York: Boosey & Co., boldly inscribed on the first page of music: "To Acton Davis G. Puccini New York, Dec. 1910". Davis, a music critic, gave this inscribed copy to lyricist Anne Caldwell who then gave the score to her mentor, Victor Baravalle, according to a letter of provenance by Baravalle dated Apr. 13, 1979 (copy included), in the presence of Arturo Toscanini, Enrico Caruso, and David Belasco, among others. Baravalle rebound the score in black leather, adding a nameplate on the cover reading: "The Girl of the Golden West Puccini Victor Baravalle". Obtained by us from a direct descendent of Baravalle, with notarized copies of letters of provenance from Baravalle and his son, Edward D. Baravalle. A couple of front pages are slightly loose, else in very good condition, with a fine bold inscription.$1,000-1,500

An A.M.Q.S. from "Bolero"

469. MAURICE RAVEL (1875 - 1937) French composer whose works include Bolero, Daphnis et Chloe, La Valse, and Gaspard de la Nuit. Rare and desirable A.M.Q.S. 1p. 12mo., [n.p., n.d.], two measures from his most popular orchestral work "Bolero", boldly written in pencil on a small album sheet. Signed in full beneath the quotation. Matted with a large, head and shoulders portrait of Ravel and set, with burgundy mat, into a fine burled wood frame. In fine condition, unexamined out of frame. A wonderful example for display.$2,000-3,000

470. GIOACCHINO ROSSINI (1792 - 1868) Italian composer and leading representative of the bel canto school of opera, among his thirty-nine operas are The Barber of Seville, Othello, and William Tell. I.S.P. boldly signed "G. Rossini" 4 1/4" x 6 1/4" overall, including mount, a carte-sized albumen showing Rossini seated with cane in hand, presented to a Mr. Houstache on February 10, 1868 and boldly signed at bottom. Light soiling and wear, overall very good. $1,500-2,500

471. GIOACCHINO ROSSINI Fine and scarce A.M.Q.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., Bologna, June 28, 1827, three measures of music titled "Moderato" (unidentified), inscribed and signed "G. Rossini" at top. In 1837, Rossini left Paris to live in Italy, largely in Bologna where he acted as an advisor at the Liceo Musicale. Beautifully matted with a portrait engraving in marbleized accents, and set into a rich burled wood frame, not examined out of frame. Ideal for display, in very good condition. $2,000-3,000

NEXT SECTION LIVE AND INTERNET AUCTION PART I (6/25/02): Entertainers - Lots 472-496

View Composers, Opera and Musicians section from LIVE AND INTERNET AUCTION PART II - Lots 1372-1419