Autographs

Composers & Performers

Lot 114
Rodgers, Richard (1902-1979) Composer of over 41 musicals with Lorenzo Hart and Oscar Hammerstein, Rodgers' music is known worldwide.

Typed Letter Signed ("Richard Rodgers"). One page, quarto, New York, August 9, 1978. On Richard Rodgers letterhead. To Constance Chatis. Transmittal envelope included. Fine condition.

A short but very nice note reflective of changing times: "I was greatly pleased by your letter about my music. You and I are both happy to listen to some music that is not 'disco' and I thank you so much for writing."
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 115
Ruffo, Titta (1877-1953) Arguably the greatest baritone of the 20th century, Ruffo's imposing physical presence and rich voice earned him the moniker "The Singing Lion".

Signed Portrait Postcard ("Titta Ruffo"). Sepia toned, 3½ x 5½", n.p., n.d. Black ink across the breast of the portrait. One small crease and abrasion at tip of top left corner, else fine condition.

An outstanding item, with Ruffo's bold signature enhancing the powerful image he projects in the portrait.
Estimated Value $125-150.

Lot 116
Sembrich, Marcella (1858-1935) Polish soprano with exceptional technique and control, one of the most famous sopranos of the early 20th century.

Signed Photographic Postcard ("Marcella Sembrich"). Sepia tone, 4¼ x 5½", n.p., 1934. Signed in blue ink across bust of portrait. Accompanied by a note from her secretary apologizing for the delay in sending the autograph (Madame had just died) and a lovely postcard with an obviously stamped signature. Fine.

A beautiful portrait of a great singer near the end of her life.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 117
Sousa, John Phillip. Check Signed ("John Philip Sousa"). Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript. New York, February 25, 1928. Drawn on Sousa's account at the Bowery and East River National Bank and made payable to Carl Fischer, Inc. in the amount of $12.15. Punch cancelling does not affect signature, stamp cancelled verso, one paper clip stain at upper right. Very good to fine.

Carl Fischer, Inc. was Sousa's music publishing company.
Estimated Value $450-500.

Lot 118
Straus, Oscar (1870-1954) Austrian-born composer, best known for his operettas, including The Chocolate Soldier.

Signed Photographic Postcard ("Oscar Straus"). Sepia toned, 3½ x 5½", n.p., n.d. Blue ink on white margin. Top left corner has small crease, minor discoloration at bottom right corner near signature. Fine condition.

A striking portrait of the composer, cigar in hand.
Estimated Value $75-100.

Lot 119
Stravinsky, Igor (1882-1971). Russian born composer. With Rite of Spring in 1913, Stravinsky heralded the arrival of truly modern music as he never ceased experimenting with, and reinventing, musical forms. Named Time Magazine's Most Influential Classical Musician of the 20th Century.

Typed Letter Signed ("Igor Stravisnky"). In French. One page, octavo, Hollywood, October 13, 1944. To Mr. deBourg, a personal acquaintance. In black ink. With one autograph correction. One ½" tear at the left center edge. Else, very fine.

During the World War II, Stravinsky resided in the United States, while his children were in Switzerland. Mr. deBourg, to whom the letter is addressed, often acted as an intermediary in Europe for the composer. Here, he asks deBourg to pass along some of his music to his son: "Would it be possible for you to send two scores, just published to my son? Please let me know. I will wait with impatience to hear from you, and send you this expression of my most devoted sentiments."
Estimated Value $325-400.

Lot 120
Tetrazzini, Luisa (1871-1940) Italian soprano of almost unmatched coloratura ability, she enjoyed worldwide popularity for almost 40 years.

Signed Photographic Postcard ("Luisa Tetrazzini"). Black and white, 3¼ x 5¼", Rome, March 1931. Signed and inscribed with place, date and greeting in black ink in margins of oval portrait. Minor corner abrasion at top left, minor adhesive residue on verso, otherwise fine condition.
Estimated Value $125-150.

Lot 121
Tetrazzini, Luisa. Signed Photographic Postcard ("Luisa Tetrazzini"). Dark sepia toned, 3 x 5", Rome, n.d. Signature in black ink on white collar, inscription "Souvenir from Luisa Tetrazzini to Miss Ida Y. Corey / Rome Italy Via Gaeta 8" on verso. Fine condition.
Estimated Value $125-150.

Lot 122
Verdi Lot. Lot of two documents. The first items is an envelope addressed to "Sig. Mauro Corticelli / Borgo s'Donnino" in the hand of Guiseppe Verdi. Postmarked May 22, from Paris. The second item is Guiseppina Verdi's calling card with an additional autograph note on the verso, presumably penned by Guiseppina.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 123
A Ballet Ballyhoo. This assemblage of ten black and white photographs features the images of several international ballet stars, including signed and inscribed images of Tamara Toumanova, José Greco, Margot Fonteyn, Vivien Fay and signed photographs of Rudolph Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, among others. Most images measure 8 x 10" and seven have been framed. Nureyev has singed in the black of the image, making the signature difficult to detect, the ink of one of the Fonteyn photos is a bit faded, and two others are only slightly buckled. Overall, in good to very good condition.
Estimated Value $475-575.

Lot 124
A Classic Touch. This assemblage of six signed, black and white photographs features such musical talents as Rudolf Serkin, Gerard Souzay, Carl Post, and David and Igor Oistrakh. Photos measure 8 x 10", and each has been framed. The ink of one Oistrakh photo is faded and appears as only an imprint; a few photos show slight, minor abrasions, else, the group is in very good condition.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 125
Composers and Performers. Lot of four signatures, two with Musical Quotations. Leopold Auer has penned a few notes above his signature, as has Ossip Gabrilowitsch. Mischa Elman and Efrem Zimbalist sign boldly, both in 1929. Minor toning, some corners show mounting scars. Overall, very good to fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 126
Early 20th Century Opera Greats. Lot of three signed photographs and one clipped signature ("Grace Moore", "Frida Leider" and "G. Martinelli" [Giovanni]). The photographs are all sepia tone and sizes range from 5 x 7" to 8 x 12". Martinelli's clipped signature (on his stationery) and his signed photo are both dated 1930, Leider has penned "In kindest remembrance". The clipped signature shows some wear, there is minor silvering on the photographs (visible only on inspection) and wear. Overall, very good condition.

A wonderful group of dramatic photos of three of the best-known artists of the first half of the 20th century.
Estimated Value $225-250.

Lot 127
Group of Paderewski Calling Cards. Lot of 12 cards and one envelope. The cards printed all on heavy stock, in a variety of type fonts. Most are his name, I.J. Paderewski, and three with the prefix of Mr. & Mrs. Three cards, and the envelope, are black-edge, to announce his passing. A few cards a bit yellowed or stained, otherwise items in very fine plus condition. Sizes: 1-3/4 x 3" to 2-1/2 x 4-1/4".
Estimated Value $75-100.
Certainly among most, if not the most famous and popular pianist of all times - Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) is one most revered native sons of Poland. Not merely a musician or a performer, his genius caused him to occupy many niches, including statesman, orator and linguist, intellectual, pianist and composer -- all which he carried off with a facilty that was the envy and admiration of his contemporaries. To his countrymen though, perhaps it is his roles as patriot and humanitarian, he who was so generous with his labor and kindnesses, for which he is most loved.

Lot 128
John Reid and the Sopranos! Here we offer a collection of six, black and white signed photographs including the likes of John Reid, Mildred Miller (signing as Mildred "Carmen" Miller), Marie Collier, Mattiwilda Dobbs, Roberta Peters, and finally, Eleanor Steber. Most photographs measure 8 x 10", and each has been framed. The ink of the Steber signature has faded, leaving only and imprint; and there are chemical stains at the right edge of the Dobbs photo. Overall, the group is in good condition.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 129
Sopranos and Then Some. A wonderful lot of ten signatures and signed photos from some of the most famous women in early 20th century opera. Rose Bampton, Marie Jeritza and Bianca Saroya have signed on their beautiful portraist. Geraldine Farrar, Alice Gentle, Ernestine Schumann Heink, Dreda Aves, Frances Alda, Mabel Garrison and Amelia Galli-Curci offer their signatures, with Garrison signing the back of a postcard photograph of herself and Heink offering the aphorism "In Art Life -- In Life -- Truth!" Some corner wear to Galli-Curci, Heink, and a couple other cards; conditions range from very good to fine. The pictures are all in excellent condition.
Estimated Value $250-UP.

Lot 130
Tenors and Baritones. Lot of four signed photos and three signatures from early 20th century leading men. Antonio Scotti and Tito Schipa sign, Scotti adds a brief inscription and Reinald Werrenrath pens a few notes above his signature. Also, four beautiful signed portraits from Mario Chamlee, Richard Crooks, Clarence Whitehill and John Charles Thomas. Photo sizes vary, with the exception of minor corner wear scattered throughout the lot, overall fine condition.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 131
"Yours in Irish". Lot of two signatures. Chanucey Olcott's bold strokes fill up the page with his name, the title of this lot and the date ("Aug. 4. 1930"), while the great John McCormack signs a bit more reservedly. Both signatures are strong and clear, the cards show some edge wear, indeed McCormack is missing the tips of two corners. Very good to fine.

Although these main gained their fame in front of different audiences, they were both revered by Irish-Americans for their contributions to America's cultural life.
Estimated Value $100-150.