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1. ABT, Franz (1819-85). Autograph Letter Signed.
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 to be discussing his schedule and travel to Leipzig, Bremen and other German locations. Accompanied by a handsome and striking 8½" X 11" book illustration portrait, a head-and-shoulders artist's rendering of Abt later in life.
Price: $250.00
2. AIELLO, Salvatore (1944-95).
Signature.
This Joffrey Ballet dancer (from 1963) was a charter dancer of the Harkness Ballet in 1964; he served the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (1971-79) as principal dancer, then ballet master and associate director; later resident choreographer of the North Carolina Dance Theater. Large bold signature in medium red marker, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1969 February 15. Fine. With original envelope. A choice example from the height of his career.
Price: $25.00
3. ALBANESI, Carlo (1857-1926).
Autograph Musical Quotation Signed.
Italian pianist and composer. AMuQS, 2pp, 8½" X 11 3/4", London, England, 1907 n.d. Inscribed in Italian to "Schloesser." Very good. Two full pages of the "Coda from Preludio e Fugato - for due Violini Viola e Violoncella." Bold and attractive.
Price: $295.00
4. ALBERT, Eugen d’ (1864-1932).
Typed Note Signed.
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 Ludwig Bisschopinck. Near fine. Good, brief music content on a heavy stock postal card, explaining that he never wrote an original composition for two pianos, but that he did write two piano concertos, Opus 2 and, more recently, Opus 12. Rather uncommon.
Price: $200.00
5. ALBERT, Eugen d’ (1864-1932).
Autograph Quotation Signed.
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 irregular shape, with some age spots; heavy mounting traces on verso. Large and bold signature near upper left, and below this a quite small place and date; to right of this is an unattributed quotation in German: "Die Menschen sind alle dem Bosen ergeben; wohl Dem, der den Kampf besteht." Interesting despite flaw.
Price: $100.00
6. ALEXANDER, Rod (1922-92).
Signature.
Noted dancer, choreographer and husband of dancer Bambi Linn (they were a well-known ballroom dance team in the 1950s); he choreographed portions of "Carousel." Large handsome signature in blue ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1970 March 25. Fine. With original envelope. A superb vintage example.
Price: $20.00
7. ARDITI, Luigi (1822-1903).
Autograph Letter Signed.
Italian violinist, conductor and composer of the operas "I Briganti" (1841) and "La Spia" (1856). ALS in Italian, 1p, 4 1/2" 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.
Price: $175.00
8. ARMOUR, Thomas S. (1908-2006).
Signature.
This classical ballet dancer was principal soloist with the Nijinsky Company, Leonid Masssine's Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and other noted companies; in 1951 he founded the Miami Ballet. Handsome full signature in blue ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1980 September 3. Fine. With original envelope. A great example.
Price: $20.00
9. ARMSTRONG, Louis (1900-71).
Printed Document Signed.
The beloved and influential jazz trumpeter and gravel-voiced singer appeared in many films, most notably "Pennies from Heaven" (1936), "The Glenn Miller Story" (1954) and "Hello Dolly" (1969). One of the most bizarre Satchmo items we've handled -- and we've handled a lot: a printed DS, 1p, 8½" X 11", n.p., n.d. [ca. 1966]. Very good. Small yellow tape stain at each corner. Mimeographed letter headlined "SATCHMO SEZ..." in which Armstrong raves at length about the medicinal benefits of his two favorite laxatives, "Swiss Kriss" and "Bis Ma Rex." Armstrong was known to have been excessively fond of laxatives from an early age, and in later years became a devotee and practically a walking billboard for these two brands, going so far as to hand out sample packets to friends and fans. He mentions "Swiss Kriss" several times his memoir, noting that he came up with an open letter to fans about these products. Offered here is a signed copy of this very same letter. Along the top edge, he boldly writes in his characteristic green ink, "To Donald M. Burnell / from Louis Armstrong." Then, vertically down the blank left margin, he signs again, large and bold. The printed text reads in part: "How to take Swiss Kriss -- the Satchmo Way ... Take a teaspoonful of Swiss Kriss ever night when going to bed... People who suffer with gas -- cancer -- and ulcers should at least take a broken dose of Swiss Kriss religiously every night for the rest of their lives...." About Bis Ma Rex, Satchmo preaches: "Gas is an awful thing to have .. If you can -- always keep B.M.R. around the house ... It is good for many, many things ... and all illnesses come from the stomach. There's no such thing as an overdose...." He also points out: "There's no business interest between me and these two companies... I buy my Swiss Kriss and Bis Ma Rex the same as anybody else... For three years I thought I had Ulcers ... And it wasn't a'thing but Gas. It actually thrills me to be able to 'Hipp' my Public to what's 'Happening in the "Gas Section"' ... Yeah ... " He continues in this jazzy colloquial fashion for some time, of course concluding with "Merry Swiss Kriss and Happy Bis Ma Rex." Fascinating and strange. Accompanied by a fine 8" X 10" glossy black and white photograph of Armstrong playing, eyes gazed upward.
Price: $500.00
10. ASHBRIDGE, Bryan (1924-95).
Signature.
New Zealand ballet dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet (later the Royal Ballet) for many years, featured in the film "The Red Shoes"; later with the Australian Ballet. Handsome full signature in blue fountain pen, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1985 August 9. Fine. With original envelope. A great example.
Price: $25.00
11. ASHTON, Frederick (1906-88).
Signature.
British dancer and choreographer noted particularly for works created for the Royal Ballet in the 1960s. Marvelous signature dated 1967 July 17 on a special heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p. [San Diego, CA]. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $45.00
12. AXTON, Hoyt (1938-99).
Signature.
Country singer who also composed and acted in films. Large signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1988 September 12. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $20.00
13. BALLARD, Michael (1942-91).
Signature.
This popular dancer with the Murray Louis Company and Alwin Nikolais Company in the '70s and '80s died at a young age from AIDS. Bold attractive signature in black fineline, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1982 November 16. Fine. With original envelope. A lovely example.
Price: $20.00
14. BAMPTON, Rose (1908-92).
Photograph Signed.
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.
Price: $40.00
15. BARTLETT, Michael (1903-?).
Photograph Signed.
American operatic tenor who appeared in musical films such as "The Gem of the Ocean" (1934), "Love Me Forever" (1935), "She Married Her Boss" (1935), "The Music Goes 'Round" (1936), "Follow Your Heart" (1936, co-starring with opera star Marion Talley in her only film appearance) and "The Lilac Domino" (1937). PS, 8" X 10", n.p., n.y. [dated 1934 April 30 on verso in another hand]. Very good. A handsome soft-focus closeup in tuxedo and white bow tie, nicely signed at the lower right "Most sincerely / Michael Bartlett." Seldom seen.
Price: $75.00
16. BAUERMEISTER, Mathilde (1849-1926).
Signature and Inscription.
This German soprano gained fame with the New York Metropolitan Opera between 1891 and 1906. Attractive "Kindest regards to / Miss F.M. Neumann / from / Mathilde Bauermeister / Chicago April 1st 96" on a heavy stock 3¼" X 2 3/4" slip. Very good. Heavy mounting traces on verso. Bold and lovely. Bauermeister appeared in a touring production of "Faust" that same day.
Price: $40.00
17. BAYS, Frank (?-2008).
Signature.
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.
Price: $20.00
18. BERKELEY, Lennox (?-1989).
Signature.
British composer. Lovely signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1980 November 30. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $40.00
19. BERNSTEIN, Leonard (1918-90).
Signed First Day Cover.
American conductor (first American-born conductor of the New York Philharmonic) and prolific composer of chamber music, symphonies, ballets, and theatre pieces such as "West Side Story." Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in New York, New York on 15 October 1964 and with "First Day of Issue" boldly stamped. Single 5-cent "American Music" stamp at upper right. Near fine. Near the center, Bernstein signs large and bold in black fineline. With small portion of original transmittal envelope. A choice example on an appropriate cover.
Price: $175.00
20. BERNSTEIN, Rae (?-?).
Inscribed Photograph Signed.
Pianist. IPS [Moffett], 8" X 10", n.p., 1928 March 20. Inscribed to pianist John G. Leiser. Very good.
Price: $75.00
21. BESSMERTNOVA, Natalia (1941-2008).
Signature.
Legendary prima ballerina with the Bolshoi Ballet for many years, reknowned for 19th century Romantic roles such as Giselle. Bold signature in blue ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1975 May 8. Fine. With original envelope. An attractive example -- rather uncommon.
Price: $25.00
22. BETHEL, Pepsi (1918-2002).
Signature.
Jazz dancer and choreographer of several noted Broadway shows, founder in 1990 of the Pepsi Bethel Authentic Jazz Dance Theater. Large bold signature in black ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1981 February 25. Fine. With original envelope. Beautiful example.
Price: $25.00
23. BEUTER, Charles (?-1964).
Signature and Inscription.
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 South Pole Flight; he founded the Navy School of Music in 1935 to help supply qualified musicians to the band. "Lieut Chas Beuter U.S.N / Leader U.S. Navy Band / Wash. D.C. / Regards" in bold blue fountain pen on a pale yellow 5½" X 4½" slip, dated at bottom October 1929 in another hand. Very good. A small newspaper portrait of Beuter is affixed to the lower left portion (not affecting writing). Interesting and unusual. This was signed at a Chautauqua meeting where Beuter gave a lecture or performance.
Price: $50.00
24. BILLUPS, Kenneth Brown (1918-?).
Signed First Day Cover.
This influential black musician, educator and composer (pageant "Rolling Along in Negro Song," 1945) served as choir master of St. Louis's reknowned 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" in St. Louis is named in his honor, and he was first recipient of the prestigious W.C. Handy Award in 1969 -- the same year the U.S. honored Handy with a stamp. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled at Memphis, TN, on May 17, 1969 and with "First Day of Issue" marked. Single 6-cent "W.C. Handy Father of the Blues" stamp at upper right. Near fine. No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address present. Across the "sweet spot," Billups signs bold and large (5"!) in black ballpoint. Comes with original 9½" X 4" transmittal envelope bearing Billups name and address printed in his hand at upper left. A most uncommon autograph.
Price: $75.00
25. BING, Rudolf (1902-97).
Signature.
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.
Price: $25.00
26. BISPHAM, David (1857-1921).
Signature and Inscription.
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 toning; tipped to heavy album leaf stock of same size.
Price: $40.00
27. BISSELL, Patrick (1957-87).
Signature.
The principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre in New York died from drug overdose at age thirty. Uncommon large signature, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1984 May 4. Fine. With original envelope.
Price: $75.00
28. BOATWRIGHT, Christopher M. (1955-97).
Signature.
This African-American classical dancer -- an AIDS victim -- appeared with the Stuttgart Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and elsewhere. Handsome full signature in blue ballpoint, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1977 June 18. Fine. With original envelope. A beautiful example from early in his career -- rather uncommon.
Price: $25.00
29. BORGE, Victor (1909-2000).
Inscribed Photograph Signed.
"The Clown Prince of Denmark," an accomplished Danish pianist whose zany humor skits such as the inspired "phonetic punctuation" (which used sounds in his monologue to indicate commas, periods and any punctuation marks) deflated the pomposity of classical music and put him in a class all his own -- or perhaps occupied by only one other, Peter "PDQ Bach" Schickele. IPS, 7" X 5", n.p., n.y. [ca. 1965]. Very good. Faint tape stain at each corner. Fine pose showing Borge seated at a keyboard, inscribed and signed in medium black marker in a light area at upper right: "To Donald Burnell / with best wishes, / Victor Borge."
Price: $75.00
30. BORIS, Ruthana (1918-2007).
Signature.
Among many accomplishments, this reknowned ballet dancer was the first American to land starring roles in the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (1942-50); she was also a choreographer of note. Handsome signature in black fineline, heavy stock 5" X 3" card, n.p., 1982 March 20. Fine. With original envelope. A quite nice example.
Price: $20.00
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