Results for: Music and Dance


To his publisher, Fritz Simrock. “Just a word to let you know that for some time my address will be Carlsruhe and that letters are to be addressed to Capellmeister [Herman] Levi. You must have received some time ago the cello sonata, so I should be able to see both works soon. I am very sorry that I did not find you at home during my recent visit and that I didn’t have you in the audience in Cologne for the G Minor Quartet. That’s all for now in a rush.” Boldly and neatly signed, “Yours respectfully, J. Brahms.”
BRAHMS, JOHANNES. (1833-1897), German composer and pianist who was considered one of the leading musicians of the Romantic period. Brahms spent much of his professional life in Vienna, Austria, where he was a leader of the musical scene. In his lifetime, Brahms's popularity and influence were considerable; Brahms composed for piano, for chamber ensembles, for symphony orchestra, and for voice and chorus.
Autograph Letter Signed. in German, two pages 8vo, docketed on page two by Simrock, Karlsruhe, April 1866.
Price: $7,000.00
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The Theatre Guild presents Porgy and Bess music by George Gershwin libretto by DuBose Heyward lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin production directed by Rouben Mamoulian. New York: Gershwin Publishing Corp. Along the top margin the music title, "Summertime" is printed. He has signed on a diagonal after the play's title, "George Gershwin." Signature has faded but still clear.
GERSHWIN, GEORGE. (1898-1937) American composer and pianist whose early death brought to a premature halt one of the most remarkable careers in American music. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are universally familiar. He wrote most of his vocal and theatrical works in collaboration with his elder brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin. George Gershwin composed music for both Broadway and the classical concert hall, as well as popular songs that brought his work to an even wider public. Gershwin's compositions have been used in numerous films and on television, and many became jazz standards recorded in numerous variations.
Original or very early edition of his "Summertime" with the autograph signature of the composer, copyright, 1935 by Gershwin Publishing Company.
Price: $5,200.00
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He writes to Carl Engel, of Schirmer’s and Co., music publisher. “I think you may have overlooked a small difference between travel expenses for lectures and those for meetings of music teachers…I unfortunately, will be making less money...Next, the question of a possible contract for some of my works. Let me mention first that I,,,have in mind a contract for royalties (but would also consider an outright sale, which you apparently are not considering). As a rule I have received 15% of the retail price of sheet music, 50% of orchestra material and performance fees. I have always retained the right to set the rate for mechanized copying, and those fees were shared 50:50. Any unpredictable future rights also have stayed with me. As I signed the contract for a composition, I got an advance toward future sales revenue that has recently been based on the first 1,000 to 2,000 copies. Orchestral works have been figured on the basis of the first 50 to 100 performances. Let me add right away that these days it is less important to me to walk off with a large sum of cash in my hand than to be able to do as follows: In order to recuperate and to finish some things, I want to spend the coming winter in a warm place and accept students and concerts, etc. only sporadically, and, in a word, when ideal. To do this I need at least $300 a month, and that is what I would like to have as my advance from you. I could offer you for now these two concerti: Concerto for cello and small orchestra, based on a concerto for harpsichord by Matth. Monn (ca.1740), a ‘recompositon’ and the Concerto for (solo) string quartet with orchestra, based on a Handel Concerto Grosso, an adaptation (i.e. the pieces are completely tonal and rarely and only slightly go beyond Brahms’ harmonics). But I made free use of the thematic material in some of the weaker movements and in bad places and reconstructed such movements sometimes entirely so that the whole can to some degree be considered an original work. Both pieces are extraordinarily brilliant and striking, as Casals confirmed, and Kolisch, who is studying it now, writes, “everything is so well arranged that except for the octave places it isn’t all that hard.” The only other thing I have ready is a small songbook, but as you know, my opera Moses and Aaron is nearing completion and a theoretical work is also in the making. But a few of my earlier works could also be considered for re-publication in America (it is precisely those that sell or will soon be sellers) for which the publisher has not arranged a copyright. We may want to check back with the UE, but it barely deserves such consideration. For these new editions I plan extensive revisions, exclusively of a practical nature, which will make them more performable, both in terms of difficulty and cost. As far as the concerti are concerned, I have written a piano score of the Cello Concerto that is also suitable for performance without orchestra and plan to do likewise for the String Quartet Concerto. In punto production costs I want to point out that not being a novice, I do not have the ambition to see ‘myself in print.’ I believe that at most the piano scores have to be printed, whereas the orchestra scores can be acquired or borrowed in photocopy format of my handwritten original. I have one set of orchestra material of the Cello Concerto, and the Kolisches have one of the String Quartet Concerto. Well, I think I have touched on all the important issues and I hope to hear soon what your thoughts are. Best wishes from my wife, too.” Signed, “Arnold Schoenberg.”
SCHOENBERG, ARNOLD. (1874-1951). Austrian and later American composer, associated with the expressionist movement in German poetry and art, and leader of the Second Viennese School
Typed Letter Signed, in German, two 4to pages, Chautauqua, N.Y., August 20, 1934
Price: $5,000.00
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On the introductory page, Lennon has written, "This is the best book you'll ever burn!!" Next to the inscription he has penned an illustration of Yoko which appears 2 pages later. He signs, "Love John Lennon 72" with his self portrait caricature above the year. This editon of Grapefruit was published by Peter Owen Limited London in 1970.
LENNON, JOHN . (1940-80). Iconic British singer, songwriter, member of the Beatles.
Original Inscription and Signature with two illustrations by John Lennon in Yoko Ono's experimental book, Grapefruit, 1970, First British Commonwealth Edition, with dust jacket.
Price: $5,000.00
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Holiday writes in pencil, on yellow lined paper, on the back of a letter from a priest, Father O' Connor. She begins with her reason for choosing the back of letter. "Louie, I am writing this on the back of my Prests [sic] letter. You know Father OConnor Boston. I did a very silly thing I toled [sic] you. You reaily [sic] must go for that that I got to say Bitch dont [sic] get me wrong I am not angry Just feel sort of cheap and dirty. I am also sure you dont realy [sic] mean to hurt me other wise I would have made a awful [sic] stink...I am going to make a few changes here. We are still frends [sic] I hope she doesnt [sic] break your heart." She signs, "Lady Day."
HOLIDAY, BILLIE. (1915-59) American songwriter and jazz singer, also called "Lady Day". Considered to be the supreme jazz singer of her day, she made recordings with Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, and Count Basie. She toured with Count Basie and the Artie Shaw Band. She is admired for her intensely dramatic style of phrasing and diction, the seeming fragility of her voice, and yet its uniquely powerful and moving character.
Autograph Letter Signed, 4 to, n.p., n.d.
Price: $4,550.00
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Britten has penned 6 full bars of music with lyrics from his, "Carmen Basiliense (Cantata Academica)," 1959, which he noted at the end of the bars of music. At the beginning, he writes, "Soprano solo," and on the line below, "Coro (Ten Bass)." He signs below the music, "Benjamin Britten." Britten composed the Cantata for the 500th anniversary of the University of Basel. This long musical quotation is superb and ideal for presentation.
BRITTEN, BENJAMIN. (1913-76). English composer, conductor and pianist.
Long Autograph Musical Quotation Signed, on music staff paper, oblong 4to, n.p., n.d.
Price: $3,750.00
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He discusses the younger school of conductors with Carlo Clausetti, director of the Ricordi music publishing house which published Puccini. “If Polacco isunable to do it, since the American tour begins soon, there is Campanini, who would like to . However, if pecuniary difficulties prevent Campanini, then I have spoken to Tito [Ricordi] abaout Gui I prefer him above all the other young ones.’ He explains that Polacco was chosen because he was being trained up or the tour, as well as for his qualities. But…there is uncertainty about the production at Brescia…what of Manon and the flute….” He signs, “Puccini.”
PUCCINI, GIACOMO. (1858-1924) Italian composer whose operas, including La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot, are among the most frequently performed in the standard repertoire. Some of his arias, such as "O mio babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi, "Che gelida manina" from La Bohème, and “Nessun dorma" from Turandot, have become part of popular culture.
Autograph Letter Signed, in Italian, 8vo on integral air mail stationery, Milan, March 14, 1911.
Price: $3,600.00
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PUCCINI, GIACOMO. (1858-1924) Italian composer of opera; noted for his highly romantic melodic characters. His master works include "La Boheme" (1896), "Tosca" (1900), and "Madame Butterfly", (1904).
Autograph Letter Signed, in Italian, Circa Sept. 1895.
Price: $3,450.00
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To John McClure of Columbia Records. “Thank you for your letter and the selection of favorable reviews. The recording schedule you have worked out with Bob seems light enough, and I look forward to working with you again. Now another matter. A young man. Jack Bomer, come (sic) to see me in Chicago earlier this month with an unusual offer. He wanted to pay for recordings of LES NOCES and RENARD in Russian, and he has $10,000 or $12,000 to give to this project. I know that it is difficult for COLUMBIA to publish second recording of small scale works, but this seems to me like a good opportunity to record those two works in Russian, and I would like you to consider whether it could be done either here or in Moscow (You and Bob could fly over and still there would be a good sum left of his 10,000 for the recording) If it is decided to record here, a phonetic text will have to be prepared by someone like Bliss Hebert. Mr. Bomer does not care about the release date, which could be in five or more years. Please send me a note about this so that your tabula will be rasa during your vacation….” Signed in red, “I. Stravinsky.” One tear hole below the center of the letter and to the left of the signature not affecting text or signature.
STRAVINSKY, IGOR . (1882-1971). Russian composer considered by many in both the West and his native land to be the most influential composer of the 20th century music.
Typed Letter Signed, on his 4to “Hollywood, CA” stationery, Hollywood, CA., July 27, 1965.
Price: $2,000.00
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GERSHWIN, GEORGE. (1898-1937) American composer and pianist whose early death brought to a premature halt one of the most remarkable careers in American music. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are universally familiar. He wrote most of his vocal and theatrical works in collaboration with his elder brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin. George Gershwin composed music for both Broadway and the classical concert hall, as well as popular songs that brought his work to an even wider public. Gershwin's compositions have been used in numerous films and on television, and many became jazz standards recorded in numerous variations.
Signed check, February 3, 1932, drawn on National City Bank of New York for $13.26, signed in full, "George Gershwin." ANDFour Original Unsigned Pencil Sketches, small 8vo, three appear to be self-portraits, a fourth is a close-up facial sketch.
Price: $2,000.00
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Dukas pens the first seven bars of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” signing underneath, “Paul Dukas, Mai 1911.”
DUKAS, PAUL . (1865-1935) French composer and teacher of classical music. Best remembered for his “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” interpreted to such delightful effect in Disney’s Fantasia.
Autograph Musical Quotation Signed, on a oblong folio sheet of music paper, May 1911.
Price: $1,950.00
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Bust length, portrait of Stravinsky leaning slightly forward, with white shirt, graying moustache and black framed glasses. Boldly signed in turquoise ink, "Igor Stravinsky 1966" Photograph by "Boris Goldenberg, Cincinnati, Ohio". Stravinsky drew on a wide range of styles, from Russian folk songs to baroque melodies, from Renaissance madrigals to tango rhythms. He sometimes used existing music to create original compositions, but more often the music is entirely his own, while vaguely suggesting a past style." Uncommon in such large portraits.
STRAVINSKY, IGOR. (1882-1971). Russian born, American composer, perhaps the most influential composer of the twentieth century.
Original, late original publicity Photograph Signed, 4to, n.p., 1966.
Price: $1,850.00
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He writes to John Ridgely Carter, an American diplomat stationed in Great Britain. Caruso writes, "Confidential" at the top of the page. "I am sorry I cannot give you a definite reply because the terms of my contract with the Royal Opera Syndicate require that all engagements of the kind you propose must pass through the Syndicate . Covent Garden . ." He signs, "Enrico Caruso." Framed with a beautiful photograph by Mishkin of New York showing Carulo, full length, and costumed.
CARUSO, ENRICO. (1873-1921). Italian singer. First appeared at the Metropolitan Opera house in New York in 1903 in 'Rigoletto'.
A.L.S., in English, on emblematic, "Hotel Cecil" stationery, 4to, London, May 30, 1906.
Price: $1,700.00
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This wonderful three quarter length portrait showing Sinatra, age about 27, smiling wearing a black tuxedo depicts Sinatra as joyful as possible. Boldly signed in turquoise ink, “For Ronnie From his friend, Frankie.”
SINATRA, FRANK. (1915-1998). American singer and actor. He began his musical career in the swing era and became a solo artist with great success in the early to mid-1940s, being the idol of the "bobby soxers". He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1953 for his role in From Here to Eternity.
Magnificent Vintage Original Photograph Signed, 4to, n.p., ca. 1942.
Price: $1,600.00
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The quotation is noted in 2/4 time in C major with treble and bass clefs but may be a trio (of which Gyrowetz composed many) rather than a piano work, and appears to be complete in itself. Signed, in the lower right, "Adal Gyrowetz." Gyrowetz was a prolific composer in many forms, adhering to a traditional style. He was a friend of both Mozart and Haydn, and a pallbearer at Beethoven's funeral. His music is still performed and recorded. As a composer, conductor and teacher he played an important role in Viennese musical society into the 1820's and was honored to have been one of the pallbearers at the funeral of his friend and close contemporary, Ludwig van Beethoven. He retired in 1831, but lived on until 1850. He remarked shortly before his death in an article published in the Ostdeutsche Post that he was, "only a talented man who can be happy if he conquers the present; only a genius lives beyond the grave." There is an ink inscription in another hand at the top of the page, giving the date of Gyrowetz's death as August 1849. A rare and interesting autograph.
GYROWETZ, ADALBERT. (Vojtech Jirovec) (1763-1850). Bohemian composer.
Fine Autograph Music Quotation Signed of 22 bars on two staves, oblong 4to, n.p., November 24, 1845.
Price: $1,500.00
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This document is The American Federation of Musicians contract between Mingus and Brazilian concert promoter Marco N. Viggiana in which Mingus is engaged for a "Concert tour of South America", performing eight times between August 1-12, 1974 for the sum of $20,000. On verso the band is listed, including Mingus, Dannie Richmond, Don Pullen, George Adams and Hamiet Bluiett. Boldly signed, "Charles Mingus." Staple holes at upper-left, else very good.
MINGUS,CHARLES. (1922 - 1979) American jazz bass player, the first to exploit the bass as a solo instrument. Mingus was a major influence in jazz in the fifties and sixties, and his work remains most influential today.
Excellent and important D.S. two 4to. pages,, [n.p.], Jan. 3, 1974.
Price: $1,500.00
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Caruso has drawn his bust length profile in pen and ink. Signed, “Enrico Caruso.” Slight ink smudging and some toning especially in lower portion gives the image a soft sepia look, especially framed against the light blue mat. Unexamined out of frame.
CARUSO, ENRICO. (1873-1921). Italian opera singer and one of the greatest tenors in history.
Original Self Caricature Signed, 8vo, framed stressed gold with orange edge,and matted in blue.
Price: $1,450.00
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This document was submitted to him by his furniture master joiner for covering chairs, and chords for a chandelier. Weber writes, “paid with 57 rh12 g. von Weber.”
VON WEBER, CARL MARIA . (1786–1826). German composer, conductor, pianist, guitarist and critic, one of the first significant composers of the Romantic school. Weber's works, especially his operas Der Freischütz, Euryanthe and Oberon greatly influenced the development of the Romantic opera in Germany. He was also an innovative composer of instrumental music.
Manuscript Document Signed, in German, oblong, 8vo, Dresden Jan. 15, 1818.
Price: $1,400.00
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The composer is shown head and shoulders looking directly at the camera with full beard, looking most ominous. With a signed presentation inscription, “To Hélène and André Huvelin, a souvenir for their interpretation of Trio in B Minor, in good friendship Albert Roussel.”
ROUSSEL, ALBERT. (1869-1937) French composer. Roussel's most important works are the ballets "Bacchus et Ariane" and "Aeneas" and the four symphonies (of which the Third, in G minor, and the Fourth, in A major, are masterpieces which epitomize his mature neoclassicism). His other works include numerous ballets, orchestral suites, a piano concerto, a concertino for cello and orchestra, a psalm setting for chorus and orchestra, incidental music for the theatre, and much chamber music, solo piano music, and songs.
Superb Studio Photographic Portrait Inscribed and Signed, in French, 4to. n.p., n.d.
Price: $1,200.00
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This is a rare check made out by a secretary, Sidney Prosen, of the Hometown Music Company, Jackson Heights, N.Y. This is a royalty check in advance for $12.50. Signed on verso, "T. Monk."
MONK , THELONIUS. (1920-81) American jazz musician. One of the principal creators of the "bop" style.
Manuscript Document Signed, oblong 8vo, New York, April 4, 1972.
Price: $1,200.00
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