OPERA

[Charlotte Helen Sainton-Dolby, English contralto.] Autograph Note Signed ('Charlotte H Sainton Dolby'), complying with a request [for an autograph].

Author: 
Charlotte Helen Sainton-Dolby (1821-1885), English contralto, singing teacher and composer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 71 Gloucester Place, Hyde Park, W. [London] No date.
£25.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with small trace of glue from mount at foot. Folded twice. Reads: 'Dear Madam | I have much pleasure in complying with your request & beg to remain | Yours faithfully | Charlotte H Sainton Dolby'. See her entry in the Oxford DNB.

[John Christie, founder of the Glyndebourne Festival.] Autograph Letter Signed I'John Christie.')

Author: 
John Christie (1882-1962), founder in 1934 of the Glyndebourne Opera House and the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Lewes, Sussex
Publication details: 
On letterhead, Glyndebourne, Lewes [Sussex]. 22 March 1956.
£90.00

1p., 12mo. In envelope addressed to Giles at Moulsecoombe, Brighton. In good condition, lightly aged. He has looked for Giles's letter 'but cannot – yet – find it. Sorry. I vaguely remember it.' He will find Giles '2 tickets for a Dress Rehearsal if you will let me know which one.' Options of six operas, on six different days are listed, including Figaro and Giovanni.

[ Aulikki Rautawaara, Finnish soprano. ] Christmas card with Autograph Note Signed ('Deine Aulikki') in German.

Author: 
Aulikki Rautawaara [ Terttu Aulikki Rautawaara ] (1906-1990), Finnish soprano, noted for her interpretation of Edvard Grieg and Jean Sibelius
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£32.00

10 x 11.5 cm. In good condition, lightly aged. Christmas card with original engraving, signed in pencil, on cover. Addressed to the recipient 'and Colin', the message reads: 'Viele liee Grüsse von Deine Aulikki'.

[ Ljuba Welitsch, Bulgarian operatic soprano. ] Christmas card with Autograph Note Signed ('Ljuba' and 'Ljuba and Karl') in English and German.

Author: 
Ljuba Welitsch [ Lyuba Welitsch ] (1913-1996), Bulgarian operatic soprano, who settled in Austria, noted for her performance in the 'Salome' of Peter Brooke
Publication details: 
Without place or date [ between 1956 and 1969 ].
£32.00

14 x 11.5 cm Christmas card, with illustration of cherubs singing and message in German on cover. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. The message, written in red ink, reads: 'Love and all best wishes for Christmas and New Year, your| Ljuba and Karl' Eleven-word postscript in German, signed 'Ljuba'. Regarding 'Karl', see Welitsch's obituary in the New York Times (6 September 1996): 'In 1956, when she was 43, Miss Welitsch caused a stir in Vienna when she married Karl Schmalvogel, a 29-year-old traffic policeman who had assisted her after an accident a year earlier.

[ 'Toti Dal Monte' [ Antonietta Meneghel ], celebrated Italian operatic soprano. ] Autograph signature.

Author: 
'Toti Dal Monte' [ stage name of Antonietta Meneghel ] (1893-1975), celebrated Italian operatic soprano, a noted Cio-cio-san in Puccini's Madame Butterfly
Publication details: 
No place. Dated 1956.
£35.00

On 13.5 x 18 cm leaf of cream paper, torn from an autograph album. Good firm signature, rising upwards, and reding 'Toti Dal Monte | 1956'. Nothing else written on either side of the leaf.

H. B. Irving [ Harry Brodribb Irving ], actor-manager and criminologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('H B Irving') to 'Mr Forsyth [ Neil Forsyth, General Manager, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden ]

Author: 
H. B. Irving [ Harry Brodribb Irving ] (1870-1919), actor-manager and criminologist; the eldest son of Sir Henry Irving [ Neil Forsyth, General Manager, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'Mr. H. B. Irving & Co. ('Under the Direction of Messrs. Nixon & Zimmerman'). 29 June 1906.
£50.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with light pencil line by Forsyth through first page. She hopes that she is not 'asking too much' in requesting 'two stalls or a box for the premiere of “Eugene Oneghin” - Friday evening'. If 'not impossible', he would like 'a lunch to be present that night. He asks to be sent word to the Garrick Club.

[ 'Ben Greet' [ Sir Philip Barling Greet ], Shakespearean impressario and 'an ardent opera goer'. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Ben Greet') to Neil Forsyth, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, requesting boxes and commenting on productions.

Author: 
'Ben Greet' [ Sir Philip Barling Greet ] (1857-1936), Shakespearean actor, director, impresario, manager of Old Vic Theatre, London [ Neil Forsyth, General Manager, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden ]
Publication details: 
One from 20 Buckingham Street WC [ London ], on letterhead of 'The Ben Greet Players', 14 July [no year]. The other from 2 The Terrace, Camden Square. 17 August [no year].
£80.00

ONE: On letterhead of 'The Ben Greet Company', addressed from 20 Buckingham Street, WC [ London ]. 14 July [ no year ]. 2pp., 8vo. In fair condition, aged and worn, with the first page carrying pencil scorings and a short note by Forsyth. The first paragraph reads: 'If business will permit can I have one of the small boxes for Monday night. You generally let me have something during the Season. I've been a very regular Gallery & Amphitheatre and stallite this season.' He continues: 'You've got a genius in Frau , & you sd keep her. Everyone is raving about her.

[ Whitelaw Reid, American Ambassador to the United Kingdom. ] Typed Letter Signed to Col. H. V. Higgins of the Grand Opera Syndicate, Covent Garden, comparing his opera box unfavourably with the one he had in Paris.

Author: 
Whitelaw Reid (1837-1912), proprietor of the New York Tribune, historian, Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States in the 1892 election, American Ambassador to the United Kingdom
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Dorchester House, Park Lane, W. [ London ] 5 September 1905.
£80.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. He is sending a copy of a note his secretary has 'just sent about an opera box for the next season. | The box we were able to get this year contrasted so poorly with my old "loge entre les colonnes" in Paris that I am afraid my personal tastes would be about as well satisfied without one!' He feels sure that 'with this long notice and with a friendly word' from Higgins, 'something better can be done'. One of the grandest residences in London, Dorchester House was rented by Reid as the American Embassy from 1905.

[ Sir Henry Jones, baritone singer of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Henry A. Jones') to 'Miss Randall'.

Author: 
Sir Henry Lytton [ Sir Henry A. Lytton; born Henry Alfred Jones ] (1865-1936), actor and baritone singer of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Grand Hotel Ltd, Birmingham. 4 February 1920.
£28.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'Dear Miss Randall | I am pleased to sign myself | Yrs. sincerely | Henry A. Lytton'

[ Aldred James Caldicott, composer. ] Autograph Signature ('Alfred J. Caldicott | Mus. Bac Cantab') with a few bars of sheet music in autograph, with words 'Unless you can think when the Song is done'.

Author: 
Alfred J. Caldicott [ Alfred James Caldicott ] (1842-1897), English composer of operas, cantatas, children's songs, humorous songs and glees
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£56.00

On 22.5 x 6.5 cm slip of paper, ruled in red and blue. In good condition, lightly aged. Beneath the line of sheet music and the accompanying words 'Unless you can think when the Song is done,' is the good firm signature: 'Alfred J. Caldicott | Mus. Bac Cantab'.

[ Carrie Tubb, English soprano who taught at the Guildhall and worked with Sir Thomas Beecham at Covent Garden. ] Autograph Signature ('Carrie Tubb Oliveira').

Author: 
Carrie Tubb [ Carrie Tubb Oliveira ] (1876-1976), English Soprano who taught at the Guildhall and worked with Sir Thomas Beecham at Covent Garden
Publication details: 
No date or place. ]
£25.00

The only writing on an 8vo leaf, clearly sent in response to a request for an autograph. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight evidence of mount on reverse. In a large firm hand, reading: 'Yours faithfully | Carrie Tubb Oliveira'. Tubb was principally known for work in oratorio, but sang in opera (Elektra, Hänsel und Gretel etc.) under Sir Thomas Beecham at Covent Garden from 1910. She taught at the Guildhall for more than thirty years from 1930.

[ Agnes Nicholls, English soprano, and Ben Davies, Welsh tenor. ] Autograph Signatures on leaf from album.

Author: 
Agnes Nicholls (1876-1959), English operatic soprano; Ben Davies (1858-1943), Welsh operatic tenor with the Carl Rosa Opera Company
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£50.00

Written one above the other on one side of a pink 12mo leaf of paper removed from an album. In fair condition, aged and worn, with small square of tape staining at head, and some light offsetting of ink over Nicholls' signature. Reads: 'Yours sincerely | Ben Davies.' and 'In remembrance of | Agnes Nicholls'.

[ Ben Davies, Welsh tenor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ben Davies.'), expressing condolences to the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Ben Davies (1858-1943), Welsh tenor with the Carl Rosa Opera Company [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 33 Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead, NW [ London ]. 23 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Docketed at head 'Answered'. Reads: 'Dear Mrs Finck - | We were very grieved to hear of the passing of your dear husband & our old friend - will you please accept our deepest sympathy in your great sorrow - & our prayers that you & your daughters may be greatly comforted - | Very sincerely Yrs. | Ben Davies'. From the Finck papers.

[ Dame Eva Turner, English soprano. ] Photographic portrait on postcard, inscribed in autograph 'Eva Turner'.

Author: 
Dame Eva Turner (1892-1990), English soprano opera singer, born in Oldham, Lancashire
Publication details: 
Without date and place.
£35.00

14 x 9 cm black and white postcard. In good condition, lightly aged.. A head and shoulders image, with Turner's face looking to the left, looking downwards, hands clasped under her chin. Inscribed at foot: 'To Mr A Watt | Best Wishes | Eva Turner'.

Autograph Letter Signed "M W Balfe" to a Mrs Macdonald

Author: 
Michael Balfe [ Michael William Balfe ], Irish composer
Publication details: 
Queens Hotel, Cork St, Burlington Gardens, London, 27 Nov. 1857.
£120.00

Four pages, 12mo, bifolium, fold mark, good condition. He would have answered sooner but for illness ("a bad attack of influenza or bronchitis, call it what you will"). He assures her of his attachment to her and hers. "I should like to see your chick [child?] - Is there any chance of your coming to LOndon again? Has Fanny any children? Do not show her this or she would be shocked to be called Fanny[.] I don not know her blessed married name. Remember me affectionately to [...] PS I send you some of the pieces of the Rose of Castille." This was first performed in 1857.

[ The Vestris Family. ] Printed receipt to 'M. Gye', on letterhead, signed over tax stamp by 'G Vestris' (;Mad[moisel]le Vestris'.

Author: 
[ The Vestris Family, dancers on the London stage; Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden. 6 June 1866.
£56.00

1p., landscape 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Reads, with manuscript text in square brackets: 'Royal Italian Opera, | Covent Garden. | [Madle Vestris] | Londres, [Le 6 Juin] 18[66]. | Recu de M. Gye la somme de [£40 - -] | [G Vestris | B.V, | £[40 : - : -']'.

[ John Frederic Gill, Second Deemster of the Isle of Man. ] Two Autograph Letter Signed (both 'J. Fred. Gill') to 'Miss Jull', regarding the arrangements for her to sing at a concert at the Grand Theatre, Douglas.

Author: 
John Frederic Gill (d.1899), Second Deemster of the Isle of Man, 1884-1899 [ The Grand Theatre, Douglas ]
Publication details: 
The first on letterhead of Anfield Hay, Douglas, Isle of Man; the second from Douglas. 3 and 31 December 1896.
£100.00

Both letters 2pp., 12mo. Both in good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with tape from previous mounting adhering along one edge (and in one case overlapping a few words, including the signature). The two letters concern a concert 'at the Grand Theatre on 7 January', 'entirely of Manx music', in which the recipient has agreed to sing. Having put her down for two songs, he sends her 'our Book, out of which all the items of the concert will be taken', with suggestions of two songs and three encores. The second letter gives details of the rehearsal in Fort Street.

[ Printed pamphlet. ] The Flight of the Shadows. A Discourse delivered by Colonel Ingersoll, the Great American Orator.

Author: 
'Colonel Ingersoll, The Great American Orator' [ Colonel R. G. Ingersoll; Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899), 'The Great Agnostic' ] [ Robinson's Opera House, Cincinnati ]
Publication details: 
'Sixth Edition.' Sold by R. Forder, 28, Stonecutter Street, London; Truelove, London; Morrish. Bristol; The Bookstall, Freethought Institute, Southampton; S. Watts, Manchester; Alexander Orr, Edinburgh; Robert Ferguson, Glasgow. No date [1890s?].
£50.00

18pp., 8vo. Disbound. With pink front wrap, carrying an engraved portrait of 'Colonel Ingersoll. The Great American Orator and Wit.'. In good condition, lightly aged. A report of a speech at Robinson's Opera House, Cincinnati. A prefatory note, titled 'Eloquence of Ingersoll', quotes from Samuel P. Putnam's 'Golden Throne'. Scarce: the only copies of any edition traced at Oxford (second edition) and the London School of Economics (edition not stated).

[ Richard Tauber, operatic tenor. ] 34 letters to him, almost all from German correspondents, including material relating to films and a charity concert. With unsigned copies of four of his replies. Also printed libretto of his musical 'Old Chelsea'

Author: 
Richard Tauber [ born Richard Denemy, also called Ernst Seiffert ] (1892-1948), Austrian operatic tenor
Publication details: 
From England, Germany and Austria. Between 1928 and 1935. Libretto published in London in 1943.
£650.00

Six of the letters are in autograph, the rest are typewritten, as are the carbons of the five letters from Tauber. Letters and copies total 49pp. All substantial letters, with content. The following description is divided into four parts. ONE: Thirteen letters, and a copy of one by Tauber, dating from between 1932 and 1934, all relating to the film industry. Correspondents are: Crescendo Theaterverlag, Berlin (regarding 'Die Dubarry'); Sonor-Film-Verwertungs, Berlin; Bosna-Film, Zagreb; Slaviafilm, Prague; and five letters, all from 1934, concerning the film 'Blossom Time', from the firm B.

[ Dame Nellie Melba, opera singer. ] Autograph Signature ('Nellie Melba').

Author: 
Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931), Australian operatic soprano
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£35.00

On 6 x 14 cm piece of paper torn from letter. In good condition, lightly-aged. Cut from the valediction to a letter and reads: 'from Yrs most sincerely | Nellie Melba'.

The Royal Carl Rosa Opera Co. Aberdeen - April, 1934: 16 signatures of members on detached album page.

Author: 
The Royal Carl Rosa Opera Co.
Publication details: 
Aberdeen - April 1934
£120.00

Detached album leaf, 17.5 x 11.5, good condition, headed "The Royal Carl Rosa Opera Co. | Aberdeen- April, 1934. Names : Eric Warr ("Conductor"); Kingsley Lark; Mabel Baker; Redvers LLewellyn; Betty Thompson; Ivor John; Ronald Stear; Helen Ogilvie; Leyland White ("Figaro"); Howell Glynne; Godfrey Stirling ("Almaviva"); John Wright; Gladys Parker; Charles Draper; Pauline Maunder.

[ Peter Ustinov, actor and playwright. ] Corrected typescript of his unpublished play 'The Man behind the Statue', performed under the management of Robert Donat at the Opera House, Manchester, in 1946.

Author: 
Peter Ustinov [ Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov ] (1921-2004), English actor and author [ Robert Donat (1905-1958), Oscar-winning actor ]
Publication details: 
'The property of: Robert Donat, 23 Three Kings' Yard, Davies Street, W.1. [ London ]' Undated [but only performed at the Opera House, Manchester, in 1946. ]
£580.00

158pp., 4to. Typed text on rectos only. With manuscript emendations (possibly in the hand of Judith Spearman, stage manager) throughout, including deletions and a few short additional passages, as well as stage directions. Makeshift thumb index at head. In fair condition, with moderate signs of age and wear, bound with pink ribbon into buff card covers. Typed label on front cover, together with 'Judith Spearman' and 'Effects' in pencil.

[ John Braham, opera singer ] Autograph Letter Signed "J. Braham" to unnamed correspondent (theatre manager?), an interesting letter about an engagement offered, giving terms, and incidentally his imminent marriage.

Author: 
John Braham, (c.?1774–1856), tenor opera singer
Publication details: 
No place [context = Manchester], 10 Nov. 1816.
£125.00

One page, 4to, pasted to card frame, grubby and stained but text readable and complete. "I confess your offer to be liberal in the extreme - and if [excision] I possibly can,will be with you about the second week in January - I am now interestingly engaged being on the point of marriage with a young lady of this place (Manchester) therefore the excuse of 'being married and can't come' (at least these 2 months) must in this case be valid - Have the goodness to send the agreeement [...] to me at T. Wilson Esq.

[ Sims Reeves, English operatic tenor. ] Autograph Signature ('J. Sims Reeves') with note to autograph hunter.

Author: 
Sims Reeves [ John Sims Reeves ] (1821-1900), English operatic tenor
Publication details: 
'En route | Royal Hotel Cardiff'. 21 April 1876.
£28.00

1p., 12mo. In very good condition, lightly-aged, with parts of red wax wafer at each corner. Reads 'En route | Royal Hotel Cardiff | Sir | Here is my autograph according to your wish. | Yours faithfully | J. Sims Reeves | April 21st. 1876.' Good, strong signature, with a final flourish continuing in a circle, and enclosign the whole of it.

[Lottie Venne, Edwardian actress and comedienne.] Autograph Letter Signed to unnamed male recipient, describing her painful separation from her husband Walter H. Fisher of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

Author: 
Lottie Venne (1852-1928), English actress and comedienne, wife of Walter H. Fisher [Walter Henry Fisher], singer with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 5 Norfolk Road, St John's Wood, NW [London]. 18 July 1910.
£35.00

2pp., 8vo. In very good condition, on lightly-aged paper. She begins by asking whether the recipient is 'the same gentleman who wrote to me from Bournemouth', and to whom she replied that she was 'unable to give the information required, for many years before my husband's death we were seperated [sic]'. She explains that when Fisher was not 'travelling about in the Country he lived with his Father I believe, who has now been dead some years. The whole thing was very tragic and painful, & I shall feel obliged to you not writing to me again on the subject'.

[Thomas John Dibdin, playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed ('T Dibdin') to the Pall Mall bookseller Clement Chapple, regarding terms for his 'New Opera'. With Signed Autograph Copy of Chapple's reply on reverse.

Author: 
Thomas John Dibdin (1771-1841), playwright and actor [Clement Chapple (d.1835), bookseller and publisher in Pall Mall, London]
Publication details: 
Dibdin's letter: place not stated; 'Sep 11 - mn' [dated in pencil in another hand '1824']. Copy of Chapple's reply: 'Pall Mall [London] Sep 12'.
£280.00

Dibdin's letter: 1p., 12mo. On bifolium, with the Signed Autograph Copy of Chapple's reply (also 1p., 12mo) on the reverse of the same leaf. Reverse of second leaf addressed to 'C. Chapple Esq', with a nineteenth-century shelfmark at the foot of the page: 'C.68.Coll.CR.' In fair condtion, on aged paper.

[Mme Erminia Rudersdorff [Hermine Rudersdorff Mansfield], operatic soprano.] Autograph note signed ('Erminia Rudersdorff') to the violinist and conductor Alfred Mellon, asking for the largest box he 'can afford', and calling him 'a naughty man'.

Author: 
Erminia Rudersdorff [Hermine Rudersdorff Mansfield] (1822-1882), Ukrainian operatic soprano, mother of English actor-manager Richard Mansfield (1857-1907) [Alfred Mellon (1820-1867), violinist]
Publication details: 
'Saturday morning [no date] | 16 Wellington Road, | St. John's Wood.'
£56.00

1p., 16mo. In fair condition, creased and lightly-aged, and laid down on a leaf removed from an album. In a close tiny hand, the note reads: 'Dear Mr. Mellon | can you oblige me with a private box for Monday evening next? The largest you can afford. | You are a naughty man. | Your's most truly | Erminia Rudersdorff'.

[Sir Henry Alfred Lytton, comic leading actor in D'Oyly Carte Opera Company Gilbert and Sullivan productions.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Henry A. Lytton'), granting permission to an unnamed recipient to dedicate his 'most beautiful lines' to him.

Author: 
Sir Henry Alfred Lytton [born Henry Alfred Jones] (1865-1936), English comic actor, known for his leading roles in D'Oyly Carte Opera Company productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Lion Hotel, Cambridge. Undated.
£25.00

2pp., 12mo. On aged paper, with creasing and short closed tear at foot of leaf (affecting first letter of signature). The letter reads: 'My dear Sir | So many thanks for your most beautiful lines. I should be grateful if you would dedicate them to me | Yrs Truly | Henry A. Lytton'. Lytton gives his Chiswick home address on the reverse.

[Margaret Francis Harris, theatre designer.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Margaret Harris') to 'Mr Rhodes', discussing the sale of her 'Motley designs' to the University of Illinois.

Author: 
Margaret Harris [Margaret Francis Harris] (1904-2000), English opera, costume and theatre designer [Motley Theatre Design Group]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Theatre Design Course at Riverside, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith. 17 June 1982.
£80.00

2pp., 8vo. In very good condition, on lightly-aged paper. She apologises for not being able to be 'helpful on any of your questions'. She does not even possess a copy of her own 'Designing and Making Stage Costume'. 'I have no Motley designs at all, as every one which was in my possession has been sold to the University of Illinois, who have taken the whole collection of about 3000 swatches.' She is glad to hear that he has some of them, 'as it means that there are a few still in this country'.

Autograph Letter Signed from John Coates to Miss Hood, explaining why he could not sing the song 'Nancy's Hair' at Preston.

Author: 
John Coates (1865-1941), leading English tenor
Publication details: 
On letterhead of [11] Beaufort House, Chelsea, SW3 [London]. 26 January 1925.
£65.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly aged and creased paper. He writes that he is sorry that he could not sing the song 'Nancy's Hair' at Preston. He had not brought it: '(I only got your letter on arrival at the concert hall.) Funnily enough I picked it up before leaving home to put in my case as a possible encore & then put it back.' He is 'delighted to know that your mother liked my singing of it, I most certainly enjoy singing it & I hope to be able to help it along'.

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