Composers, Opera and Musicians
LIVE AND INTERNET AUCTION - PART II
BEGINS AT 12 NOON EASTERN, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2002

Securing a loan from a patron

1372. JEAN SIBELIUS (1865 - 1957) Finnish composer in the Classical style, he wrote seven symphonies, piano music, and over one hundred songs. Good content A.L.S. "Jean Sibelius" 3pp. 8vo., Jarvenpaa Station, Sep. 8, 1910, in Finnish, in part: "...Honored Herr Direktor, Knowing of your outstanding generosity and your lively interest in all the arts, may I put forward the following proposal? I wish respectfully to inquire whether you...could make me a loan of five thousand Finnish marks, to be repaid on the following terms: One thousand in 1911, and two installments of two thousand each in 1912 and 1913. The payments would be made by November each year. I have taken the liberty of embarking on making this request to you in the light of your well-known, warm helpfulness towards all artists...". Very good. These years were transitional for Sibelius: he had moved his home to the country, was in the midst of touring in England, and had commenced work on his fourth symphony, a much darker score than his previous efforts had yielded. Fine condition.$700-900

1373. 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. A.L.S. "F. Liszt" 1p. 12mo., "Saturday Morning", to a Cardinal. In full: "Tomorrow, Sunday, at 10 o'clock, in the Borghese Chapel there will come to give thanks to your Eminence, his very grateful servant, F. Liszt". Very good. Liszt took four minor orders in the Roman Catholic Church and was known as the Abbe Liszt. An interesting example from this clerical period in his life.$500-700

1374. GIACOMO PUCCINI (1858 - 1924) Italian operatic composer whose works include La Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. A.L.S. 1p. small 4to., Torre Del Lago, Tuscany, Oct 3, [1912?] in Italian to "Coppola". In part: "...I am turning to you so that that everything in Bologna will be done with great care in the selection of the great and small artists and for the scenes etc. etc...Therefore I rely on you and hope that everything will result decorously both for the music and the staging. I am glad that this opera was confided to you. I am specially interested in Bologna...". Folds, one small tape station along left margin not affecting text, otherwise very good. $500-700

1375. JEAN SIBELIUS (1865 - 1957) Finnish composer in the Classical style, he wrote seven symphonies, piano music, and over one hundred songs. Excellent content T.L.S. "Jean Sibelius", 1p. 8vo., Jarvenpaa, Aug. 16, 1950, to Steinway & Sons, in praise of their pianos. In part: "...I wish to thank you once more for your great kindness to remember me on my 84th birthday with excellent cigars which I was very pleased to receive...It may interest you to know that I have myself a grand piano of your superb make. I have played on it for over thirty years but it is still a fine piano and many a famous artist visiting my home has admired it...". Sold with an original snapshot photograph dated 1946 showing conductor Antonio Brico with Sibelius at his estate in Jarvenpaa. Boldly signed in pencil in his oversize hand. Two pieces, fine condition. An excellent association. $500-700

1376. GIACOMO MEYERBEER (1791 - 1864) German opera composer and Director of the Royal Opera in Berlin, his works were in the ornate style of the great French composers of the time and were widely acclaimed. Fine A.M.Q.S. 1p. 4to., Vienna, Mar. 27, 1847, a handsome, two stave, five measure unidentified quote with the instruction of "Moderato" at top, penned on printed musical paper. Boldly signed beneath adding date. Offsetting from prior display lightly affecting music, otherwise in very good condition, matted and set, in dark green velvet, with a portrait engraving in a dark wood frame. $500-700

1377. PUCCINI, GIACOMO (1858 - 1924) Italian operatic composer whose works include La Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. A.L.S. signed "Giacomo", 2pp. 8vo., Torre Del Lago, Toscana, Jul. 27, 1921 to Rose Ader, a young opera singer with whom he had fallen deeply in love. In this letter written in Italian, he writes that he can understand her letters perfectly and can appreciate the love she feels for him. He says that it is fiercely hot in Torre Del Lago, with high temperature. He writes that he is working a little at night until 2 a.m. He writes that he had actually done some sea bathing for the first time, not at Viareggio, but nearby where there was no one - very wild country but beautiful. He speaks of his love and concludes saying that that evening he had worked well on Turnadot. Usual folds, otherwise very good. $400-600

1378. SEM BENELLI (1877 - 1949) Italian librettist, best remembered for his work The Supper of Fools. Scarce S.P. 4" x 6" b/w, a serious head and shoulders pose, signed at right margin. Beautifully matted with the credit page of a program for his opera L'Amore de Tre Re and a b/w photograph of Italo Montemazzi, who wrote the music for the piece. Set into a lavish gold frame. Very good condition, ideal for display. $200-300

1379. IRVING BERLIN (1888 - 1989) American songwriter who penned over 1,000 tunes including "God Bless America" and There's No Business Like Show Business". T.L.S. signed "Irving" on personal stationery, 1p. 4to, [n.p.], Nov. 8, 1971 to Harry Ruby, whom he thanks for sending him a cartoon from the Los Angeles Times. In part: "...I get the cartoonist's point, but with what Russia is doing, we had better be there firstest with the bestest...". Berlin sends Ruby a copy of a menu, not present, that would remind him of "...the good old days we knew...". It was a dinner given at Keen's Chop House by the United Songwriters of America. Berlin does not remember the exact date, but it was before World War I. Light pencil mark, otherwise fine condition. $200-300

1380. IRVING BERLIN Fine, very early signature "Irving Berlin", boldly penned on a small card. $100-150

1381. JUSSI BJOERLING (1911 - 1960) Swedish opera star, a tenor renowned for his vocal technique, one of the greatest of his century. Scarce, bold A.N.S. 1p. oblong 12mo., in full: "For Joe Padlipsky Best wishes Jussi Bjoerling Nov. 10, 1930". Attractively set with a vintage portrait in marbleized accents and beige linen mat, and framed in burled wood frame. Very good condition.$400-500 26654

"...I have neither `happiness' nor `serenity'..."

1382. ERNEST BLOCH (1880 - 1959) American composer whose composition largely reflected Jewish themes. Very fine content A.L.S. "Ernest Bloch" 1p. 4to., Agate Beach, Oregon, Jan. 28, 1949, to Mr. Little describing the painful process of creativity. In part: "...I am overcrowded with work...and no help! No, I have neither `happiness' nor `serenity', alas...I try to get away...spiritual loneliness, preoccupied also with the great mysteries of Life and Death and human Fate and to embody all my readiness in my work...It is very rarely understood yet but I have now accepted by Destiny. A letter like yours gives me the confidence that when I pass away...the whole effort of my Life...may not be crushed and obliterated -- as it is now!...". Attractively set into white matting and framed with a dramatic portrait in a simple wood frame. The usual folds, else near fine. Unexamined out of frame. $250-350

1383. 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. Nice content A.L.S. "Caruso" on Hotel Knickerbocker letterhead, 1p. 8vo., New York, Jan. 21, 1918 sending one of his famous caricatures to a newspaper editor and asking that a copy of the journal be sent to him once the image is published. Very good. $150-200

1384. FYODOR CHALIAPIN (1873 - 1938) Russian operatic bass of enormous resonance who performed with the Bolshoi Opera, at La Scala, and at the Metropolitan. D.S. 4pp. 4to., Covent Garden, London, July 4, 1928, the program for a production of Boris Gudonov, signed by the lead, Chaliapin, across the cover. Folds, light wear, light offsetting to signature, overall very good. $100-150

1385. GEORGE M. COHAN (1878 - 1942) American composer of such classic hits as "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Give My Regards to Broadway" and "Over There". Attractive I.S.P. 8" x 10" sepia showing Cohan half-length in a casual pose at his home, signed at upper-left. A trivial emulsion flaw and two fingerprints, overall very good. $300-400 25619

1386. EUGEN D'ALBERT (1864 - 1932) German pianist and composer of the operas Tiefland and Die toten Augen. A.L.S. "E. D'Albert" 1p. 8vo., [n.p., n.d.], in German to a friend, arranging a meeting. Significant folds with slight spitting at edges, otherwise boldly signed and very good. $100-150

1387. VLADIMIR DE PACHMANN (1848 - 1933) Russian pianist renowned for his interpretations of Chopin. S.P. 3 1/2" x 5 1/4" sepia, a nice head and shoulder shot, boldly signed "V. de Pachmann" across the image. Signed on a darker portion, contrast just good. $75-100

1388. CESAR FRANCK (1822 - 1890) French composer, teacher and organist, remembered for his Six Pieces, Psyche, and numerous symphonic works. Nice A.L.S. "Cesar Franck" 1p. 8vo., [n.p., n.d.], in French to a gentleman, in part: "...Don't worry about our Saturday meeting. I shall be absent because of a sad occasion. However, if you would come at 9:30 we could rehearse the Duet...". Near fine. $250-350

1389. JASCHA HEIFETZ (1901 - 1987) American violinist and child prodigy who played a Mendelssohn Concerto at the age of seven. A fine Heifetz item, an A.M.Q.S. of three measures from his "Turkish March", boldly penned on a small sheet of his personal letterhead bearing his initials at top left, signed beneath "With best wishes Jascha Heifetz London Feb. 6, 1921". Beautifully matted with a superb 5" x 7" b/w photograph showing Heifetz as a young man with violin in hand, and framed in a gilt frame. In near fine condition, unexamined out of frame. $150-200

1390. VICTOR HERBERT (1859 - 1924) American composer and conductor, composer of Babes in Toyland and two grand operas, Natomas and Madeleine. Fine A.M.Q.S. 1p. 8vo., New York, Oct. [18]92, four measures from his song "Liebesszene", Op. 12, beautifully penned and signed beneath. Handsomely matted in burgundy velvet and set with a portrait and name plaque into a fine gold frame. Very good condition. $300-500

1391. JOSEF HOFMANN (1876 - 1957) American piano virtuoso and composer, studied with Anton Rubinstein. Fine A.M.Q.S. 1p. 8vo., San Diego, Feb. 9, 1911, two measures of an unidentified "Theme", boldly penned on a vintage album sheet and signed beneath: "With best compliments of Josef Hofmann San Diego Febr. 9th, 1911". Very good. $75-100

1392. JOSEPH JOACHIM (1831 - 1907) Hungarian violinist and composer known for his interpretations of the works of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Fine S.P. 3 1/2" x 5" b/w, a handsome bust portrait of the composer in his middle years, boldly signed at right margin. Floated on a cream mat and set, with burgundy accents, into a gold frame. Retouched at bottom edge, otherwise very good, unexamined out of frame. $150-200

1393. JOSEPH JOACHIM L.S. "Joseph Joachim" 1p. 8vo., Berlin, Apr. 11, 1900, in Italian to a gentleman, in part: "...I am pleased to send you one of the Hungarian dances which I have transposed for the violin...Give me best regards to Countess Locrise...". Nicely framed with a handsome portrait showing Joachim with violin in hand. Very good condition, unexamined out of frame. $75-100

1394. ANDRE KOSTELANETZ (1901 - 1980) American conductor who gained fame with his many tours and appearances before major orchestras. A neat pairing of items, a vintage I.S.P. 8" x 19" b/w, a handsome portrait showing the youthful conductor seated in tails. Boldly inscribed at top left: "To Ted Long with many thanks for splendid cooperation! Andre Kostelanetz". Along with an original printed announcement of his marriage to opera star Lily Pons on June 2, 1938. Matted and mounted, with slight chipping to albumen in several places and toning to the mat, else good condition. Two pieces. $50-75

1395. PIETRO MASCAGNI (1863 - 1945) Italian composer and director of the La Scala, composer of the one-act opera Cavalleria rusticana. Fine A.M.Q.S. "P. Mascagni" 1p. 12mo., Bromberg, Nov. 11, 1899, a two measure quote from his most famous opera Cavalleria Rusticana, boldly penned on a sheet of graph paper, and inscribed to Signor Elwitz. Handsomely framed in velvet matting with a portrait of the composer. A bit of showthrough from prior display lightly affects music, otherwise very good condition, unexamined out of frame. $400-500

1396. JULES MASSENET (1842 - 1912) French composer of operas, concertos and ballets whose works include Manon, Sapho, and Don Quichotte. A.L.S. 1p. 8vo., [n.p.], Aug. 12, 1903 warmly thanking an admirer for travelling a great distance to visit him. Very good.$60-80

1397. JULES MASSENET A.L.S. "Massenet" 2pp. 8vo., [n.p.], Dec. 11, 1899, in French to Genere, in part: "...I am going to Italy...for `Cendrillon'...am in receipt of your `proposition'...And I am very touched!...". Massenet's latest opera Cendrillon opened in Paris on May 24, 1899. Fold tear to one vertical fold, otherwise very good.$75-100

1398. FELIX MENDELSSOHN (1809 - 1847) German composer of symphonies, concertos, and operas, well known for his overture "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Bold signature "Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy" penned on a small sheet. Attractively framed with a portrait engraving of the composer, and set into a carved gilt frame. An attractively example, perfect for display. $300-400

1399. GIACOMO MEYERBEER (1791 - 1864) German opera composer and Director of the Royal Opera in Berlin, his works were in the ornate style of the great French composers of the time and were widely acclaimed. L.S. "Meyerbeer" 1p. 4to., Berlin, Apr. 13, 1862, in German to a friend, in part: "...One year has gone by since you informed me of the sad fate of our mutual friend, Joseph Bacher, at which time I agreed to contribute to the expenses of his recovery, in the sum of two hundred thaler...Please permit me...to send you another sum of two hundred thaler for the year of 1862...". Bacher was the son of a Viennese banker and an admirer of Meyerbeer who, according to Heinz and Gudrun Becker in their volume Giacomo Meyerbeer: A Life in Letters, represented the conductor in Vienna, acting more or less as his agent. Slight tearing to upper left corner and bottom margin, not affecting text, else boldly signed and very good. $200-300

1400. GIACOMO MEYERBEER Good content A.L.S. "G. Meyerbeer" 1p. 4to., [n.p., n.d.], in French to a gentleman, untranslated, but referring to a passage of flute music in one of his compositions. Matted in ivory and set into a simple wooden frame. Very good, unexamined out of frame. $150-200

1401. GIACOMO MEYERBEER The original sheet music for his song "Song of the Cowherds", published by the Schlesinger company of Paris, boldly signed at bottom margin: "Homage to Madame the Countess of Lipona [?]...Meyerbeer". Slight wear, lightly affecting inscription, else very good. $150-200

1402. DARIUS MILHAUD (1892 - 1974) French composer, a pioneer of polytonality who composed many operas, symphonies, and concertos. The printed score for his work Suite Concertaine, Paris, Enoch et Cie, [n.y. but ca. 1900], boldly signed "Milhaud" on the title page. Slight wear to cover, else very good.$100-150

1403. ARTHUR NICKISCH (1855 - 1922) Hungarian conductor and violinist. Nice S.P. 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" b/w, a handsome side portrait showing Nickisch in a seated, profile pose. Boldly signed across the middle. Some silvering to edges, contrast just good. Handsomely matted and framed in a lavish gold frame, unexamined out of frame. $100-150

1404. IGNACE J. PADEREWSKI (1860 - 1941) Polish pianist, composer and statesman, established himself as an interpreter of Chopin, Liszt and Beethoven. Excellent S.P. "I. J. Paderewski" matted to 6" x 7" sepia, a youthful chest, up portrait nicely signed in black ink. Near fine condition. Matted, set in a wood frame (unexamined out of frame).$200-300

1405. IGNACE J. PADEREWSKI Fine A.M.Q.S. 1p. sm. 8vo., [n.p.], Feb. 19, 1929, five measures from Menuck, Op. 14, with the direction "Moderato" at top. Boldly signed beneath "I. J. Paderewski 19,2,1929". Handsomely matted and set into a small carved wooden frame. In very good condition, unexamined out of frame. $200-300

1406. IGNACE J. PADEREWSKI Fine A.M.Q.S. 1p. oblong 8vo., Chicago, Jan. 2, 1892, two measures from "Legende, Op. 16", boldly penned and inscribed: "Dr. E. J. Kimball in kind remembrance I. J. Paderewski Chicago, 2. Jan. 1892". All four corners evenly clipped, not affecting text, else very good.$150-200

1407. LUCIANO PAVAROTTI American operatic tenor. S.P. 8" x 10" color on heavy stock, a full-length view of Pavarotti in a tuxedo with his arms outstretched, boldly signed at bottom. Fine. $75-100

1408. GREGOR PIATIGORSKY (1903 - 1976) American cellist who often appeared with Horowitz, Milstein and Heifetz. I.S.P. 8" x 10" b/w, a pensive, soft-focus half-length portrait inscribed and signed at top, 1935. One tiny stray red ink mark, else near fine. $75-100

1409. SVYATOSLAV RICHTER Russian classical pianist and composer. A.M.Q.S. penned on the cover of a 1986 program featuring a performance by Richter in Zagreb. Very good.$100-150

1410. ANTON RUBINSTEIN (1829 - 1894) Russian pianist and composer whose flawless technique and fire rivaled that of Liszt. A.L.S. 1p. 8vo., Peterhof, Aug. 6, 1879 in German to a music director. Untranslated, but with an apparent reference to the character "Eleazar" in Fromenthal Halevy's "La Juive". Vertical fold and some soiling, overall very good.$300-400

1411. JEAN SIBELIUS (1865 - 1957) Finnish composer in the Classical style, he wrote seven symphonies, piano music, and over one hundred songs. Partly-printed D.S. "Jean Sibelius" 1p. sm. 8vo., Jarvenpaa, Nov. 14, 1946, a postal receipt for an item, boldly signed. Matted, very good. $200-300

1412. LEO SLEZAK (1873 - 1946) Czech tenor, a pupil of Jean de Reszke. S.P. 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" b/w, an early three-quarter length view boldly signed and dated 1912. Very good. $100-150

1413. JOHN PHILIP SOUSA (1854 - 1932) "The March King", American bandmaster and composer of over 140 military marches. Full signature on a small card, dated 1902. Very good. $100-150

1414. RICCARDO ZANDONAI (1883 - 1944) Italian composer of operas, considered the last of the verismo composers. Best remembered for Francesca da Rimini (1914). Fine vintage I.S.P. 4" x 6" sepia, a handsome head and shoulders portrait, inscribed in Italian along the bottom margin and dated "Sacco (Trentino) 1922". Beautifully matted with the first page of a program for Francesca da Rimini from the Met Centennial, 1983, and set into a lavish carved gilt frame. In fine condition, unexamined out of frame, and perfect for display. $300-400

1415. COMPOSERS AND OPERA Excellent signed program for the "Gala Concert of the Vacation Association, Inc." at the Metropolitan Opera House, Apr. 8, 1919, folio-sized, signed by GERALDINE FARRAR, SERGEI RACHMANINOFF and LEOPOLD STOKOWSKI, each of who has signed their respective full-page printed portrait. Farrar's signature is in ink, others in pencil. Each portrait is suitable for framing. Cover margins chipped, contents are very good to fine. $300-500

1416. JUDAICA A grouping of thirteen commemorative covers, signed by prominent Jewish musicians and composers, including: HENRY MANCINI, ARTHUR FIEDLER, RICHARD RODGERS, LEONARD BERNSTEIN, IRA GERSHWIN (2), AARON COPLAND, VLADIMIR HOROWITZ, FREDERICK LOEWE, RUDY VALLEE, and more. Thirteen pieces, very good condition. A great dealer's grouping.
$100-150

1417. VINTAGE MUSIC A neat accumulation of vintage musical autographs and musical quotations, all in a hardcover autograph book, ca. 1890s, including: MARK HAMBOURG, J. D. A. TRIPP, ERNEST VAN DIJCK, SELMA EKREM, RICHARD STRAUSS, PAULINE STRAUSS DE AHNA, JACQUES THIBAUD, REGINALD DE KOVEN, JOGN BARBIROLLI, THEODORE LESCHETISKY, RAPAHEL JOSEFFY, EMILE SAURET, GIUSEPPE FERRATA, DOROTHY MAYNOR, and many more. Many leaves are detached from spine, overall very good, should be viewed. $150-200

1418. VINTAGE OPERA A leather-bound autograph book ca. late 1800s, bearing numerous opera signatures, many unidentified by us, but including quite a few entertainment luminaries of the day, including: EMMA NEVADA, MARJORIE MILLS, W. H. MCDONALD, HERNDEN MORSELL, TOM KARL, EMILY WINANT, AGNES HUNTINGTON, ANNETTE EPISOFF LESCHTISKY, GIUSEPPE DEL PUENTE, BLANCHE STONE BARTON, DIGBY BELL, WALTER PARIS, PAULINE L'ALLEMAND, OVIDE MUSIN, ADOLF NEUENDORFF, GUSTAV HINRICKS, ANNIE LOUIS CARY, EMMA JUCH, AMANDA FABRIS, HARRISON MILLARD, RICHARD BURMEISTER, THEODORE THOMAS, and more. Overall very good condition, some leaves detached from spine, book shows expected wear. A neat dealer's grouping. $150-200

1419. OPERA Excellent signed program, approx. 30pp. folio, a benefit for the American Red Cross held at the Metropolitan Opera House, May 27, 1918 signed in pencil within on their respective full-page portraits by PASQUALE AMATO, SOPHIE BRASLAU, EDDY BROWN, WALTER DAMROSCH, FRANCES ALDA, ADAM DIDUR, TAMAKI MIURA, ROBERTO MORANZONI, LEON ROTHIER, ANTONIO SCOTTI (small stain at bottom), with three others. A few pages loose, overall very good. $300-400

NEXT SECTION: Entertainers - Lots 1420-1473

View Composers, Opera and Musicians section from LIVE AND INTERNET AUCTION PART I - Lots 452-471