This German conductor and composer of folk music solos and vocal pieces enjoyed enormous popularity throughout Europe in the mid-19th century. ALS in German, 1p, 5" X 8", Braunschweig, Germany, 1862 January 22. Near fine. Though boldly penned and attractive, Abt's miniscule and stylized script makes translation difficult -- appears..... More
This German conductor and composer of folk music solos and vocal pieces enjoyed enormous popularity throughout Europe in the mid-19th century. Photograph Signed, heavy stock 2½" X 4", Braunschweig, Germany, 24 March 1881. Very good. Lightly age toned. Handsome head-and-shoulders portrait of Abt in three-piece suit later in life, signed..... More
The "King of Country Music" was a Tennessee fiddler and singer who founded the Smoky Mountain Boys in the 1930s, joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1938 and remained an influential figure there for decades; in 1942 he co-founded the first important Nashville-based country music publishing firm and in 1962..... More
This Italian pianist, educator and composer is well known for his many piano compositions. AMuQS, 2pp (single leaf), 8½" X 11 3/4", London, England, 1907 n.d. Inscribed in Italian to "Schloesser." Very good. Two very full pages of the "Coda from Preludio e Fugato - for due Violini Viola e...... More
Popular Dutch baritone, a frequent Metropolitan Opera guest who appeared with the Opera Comique in Paris from 1899 to 1926. Thick bold signature in deep brown ink, heavy stock 3½" X 2½" card, n.p., n.y. [1898]. Very good. Slight age toning and small mark at each corner from mounting, but..... More
This German pianist and opera composer served as court pianist at Weimar; his compositions include the verismo-style opera "Tiefland" (1903) and "Die toten Augen" (1916), as well as a symphony, piano concertos and string quartets. TNS in German, 1p, 5 3/4" X 4", Berlin, Germany, 1930 October 19. Addressed to..... More
This German pianist and opera composer served as court pianist at Weimar; his compositions include the verismo-style opera "Tiefland" (1903) and "Die toten Augen" (1916), as well as a symphony, piano concertos and string quartets. AQS, irregular 6½" X 3½", Bremen, Germany, 1895 January 8. Good only. Cut in an..... More
This famed Italian contralto opera singer is considered one of the greatest of the 19th century, and was enormously popular in performances throughout Europe from the 1840s through the 1870s. Bold full signature ("Mari'a Pepoli nata Alboni") dated "Londra 12 Juglio 1872" (London, 12 june 1872) on a 4 3/4"..... More
This Cuban became influential in introducing and popularizing Latin music in the United States first by managing the band of his brother Don Azpiazu and then by taking the stage name Don Mario Antobal and forming "Antobal's Cubans," who toured the U.S. and became popular throughout the 1930s; he later..... More
This Cuban became influential in introducing and popularizing Latin music in the United States first by managing the band of his brother Don Azpiazu and then by taking the stage name Don Mario Antobal and forming "Antobal's Cubans," who toured the U.S. and became popular throughout the 1930s; he later..... More
Italian violinist, conductor and composer of the operas "I Briganti" (1841) and "La Spia" (1856). ALS (in Italian), 1p, 4½" X 7", London, England, 1885 August 14. Addressed to Professor L. Mastrigli. Near fine. Not translated, but Arditi appears to be politely declining an invitation; mentions an opera. More
A regular with the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1932 to 1950, this American soprano gained an even larger audience through her radio concerts. PS, 3½" X 5½", n.p., n.d. Near fine. Vintage closeup of a young Bampton, nicely signed with "Cordially" in white ink. More
This famed Joffrey Ballet soloist was later a noted choreographer. Large bold signature in blue fountain pen, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1985 August 9. Fine. With original envelope. A great example. More
This Pennsylvanian musician about whom little is known became one of the most prolific song writers and music publishers of his day; among the one thousand songs he supposedly composed are many hymns such as "Great Joy!" and the Mormon classic "Our King" as well as numerous school and church..... More
British composer. Lovely signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1980 November 30. Fine. With original envelope. More
This Chicago pianist -- no relation to Leonard -- debuted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in January 1928 and proved a popular soloist; her gigs included a stint with the Woman's Symphony Orchestra of Chicago, one of the first all-female orchestras in the U.S. IPS [Moffett], 8" X 10", n.p...... More
When the U.S. Navy Band was created by Act of Congress in 1925, this lieutenant was named its first leader; under his tutelage it played for many historic occasions, such as Charles Lindbergh's return in 1927 from his trans-Atlantic flight and Admiral Richard E. Byrd's return in 1929 from his..... More
This influential black musician, educator and composer (pageant "Rolling Along in Negro Song," 1945) served as choir master of St. Louis's renowned Antioch Baptist Church and as president of the National Association of Negro Musicians (1960-65); one of his most famed pupils was the opera star Grace Bumbry; "Billups Avenue"..... More
Long-time manager of the New York Metropolitan Opera (1950-72). Large signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1980 March 20. Fine. With original envelope. More
American operatic baritone -- the first Yank to make a splash on the international opera scene and gain an international following; much admired for his Wagnerian roles. Bold "Very Sincerely Yours, / David Bispham / Mch. 17, '77" on a heavy stock 3¼" X 2¼" card. Very good. Mild age..... More
Conductor of the renowned Vienna Philharmonic. Large signature in blue fineline, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1980 December 6. Very good. With original envelope. More
Influential French composer and music critic. ALS in French, 2pp, 5¼" X 8¼", Paris, France, 1930 January 26. Addressed to Irving Schwerke (1893-1975), pianist and music critic. Near fine. Although only two pages, this is a lengthy content item, given Brancourís incredibly minute script. On letterhead of the "Association pour..... More
This American contralto opera singer, with a range of three octaves, was a popular regular at the New York Metropolitan Opera. Exceptionally large and bold "Preston Sawyer / In remembrance, / Sophie Braslau" in black fountain pen on a pristine pale blue 6" X 3 3/4" autograph album leaf, n.p...... More
This Romanian composer of symphonic dances, operas, piano pieces and songs also served as general manager of the Bucharest Opera House. NS in French, 1p, 6½" X 4½", Brasov, Romania, 1930 May 24. Addressed to "Monsieur" (Irving Schwerke, 1893-1975, pianist and music critic). Near fine. On heavy stock correspondence card..... More
This French composer created operas noted for their realism ("Kerim," " Messidor," " Angelo," etc.), ballets, symphonies and more; he was also a prolific music critic for many periodicals. ANS in French, 1p, 3 3/4" X 4 3/4", Paris, France, 1924 March 17. Addressed to American expatriate pianist and music..... More