Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 12

Manuscript and Collectibles Auction

Composers & Performers

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 96		Bartok, Bela. Signed Book ("Béla Bartók"). Volume I of Mikrokosmos, 32 pages, folio, New York; Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. Signature in dark ink at upper right of title page, which is stamped "Review Copy." Penciled notes in another hand on page 12, toning and very minor wear to edges, else fine. Mikrokosmos was planned as "153 Progressive Piano Pieces" in six volumes for use as an instruction manual. Estimated Value $950 - 1,150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $711
Lot 97		Berlin, Irving (1888-1989) Russian-born American composer of popular music, and one of the greatest American songwriters. From Tin Pan Alley ditties to "White Christmas," Irving Berlin's 800 songs and 40 musical scores are some of the most recognizable and enduring music of the 20th century. Signature ("Irving Berlin"). One page, octavo, n.p., n.d. Signature in black ink on white paper. Signing at the very top of a piece of paper, Berlin's signature runs into the top of the page. Black album page residue on verso is visible mostly to the left of the signature. Overall very good to fine condition. Estimated Value $50 - 100. View details	Realized $173
Lot 98		Björling, Jussi (1911-1960) Swedish tenor, proclaimed the successor to Caruso. A master of French and Italian repertoire, Björling sang nearly every tenor role, gaining immense popularity across the globe before his sudden death at age 49. Signature ("Jussi Bjorling"). One page, 5½ x 3½", Seattle, n.d. Signature in blue ink on the front of an envelope from the Olympic Hotel, Seattle. In excellent condition, the only flaw is a small smudge above the end of Björling's signature -- likely made by the great man himself. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $288
Lot 99		Caruso, Enrico (1873-1921) Italian operatic tenor. Though he was a member of his church choir, Caruso had no formal training until age 18. Shortly thereafter, at age 21 he made his debut in Naples. Later, when he came to perform in America, he sang over 600 performances of 37 operas at the Metropolitan Opera and became one of the first musicians to lend his voice to gramophone recordings. Signature with Self-Portrait ("Enrico Caruso / 1915"). One page, octavo, n.p., 1915. Mailing folds, small foxing or rust stain to right edge and tiny stain on mailing fold. Very good condition. Estimated Value $800 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $776
Lot 100		Caruso, Enrico. Signed Photographic Postcard ("Enrico Caruso"). Sepia tone, 3 x 5", New York, January 1913. Signed on verso. To Miss H. E. Knight. Accompanied by "Hotel Knickerbocker" transmittal envelope (addressed in another hand). Minor toning, picture is silvering. Fine. A great note, probably to a collector! "Dear Miss Knight, Many thanks for your kind letter. you can be sure this time it is my writing. With kind regards yours, Enrico Caruso". Estimated Value $450 - 550. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $449
Lot 101		Caruso, Enrico. Signature ("Caruso"). One page, 5 ½ x 3½", Massachusetts, April 1908. Brief note on recto of postcard addressed (in Caruso's hand, verso) to Father G. Coriello in Joliet, Illinois. Note in Italian penned underneath picture on Concord Bridge, Caruso has signed in pale field in picture. Corner abrasions, including ½" long chip at top right corner. Good to very good condition. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details	Realized $161
Lot 102		Chaminade, Cecile (1857-1944) French composer. Autograph Musical Quotation Signed ("C. Chaminade"). One page, 5½ x 4", n.p., n.d. Three bars of music in black ink on cream paper. Accompanied by a note from her publishers, Enoch & Sons relaying the autograph. One vertical and one horizontal fold, bottom right corner missing, top right corner with small crease, adhesive residue at top left corner. Very good condition. This bold quotation fills the page. Estimated Value $50 - 75. View details	Realized $63
Lot 103		Charpentier, Gustave (1860-1956) French composer and winner of the Prix de Rome, best remembered for his opera Louise. Signed Photographic Postcard ("Gustave Charpentier"). Black and white, 3½ x 5½", n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ink across breast of portrait with inscription at bottom edge. Minor abrasions to right edge visible on close inspection, faint crease at bottom left corner, else, very good to fine condition. Estimated Value $100 - 125. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $132
Lot 104		Grainger, Percy (1882-1961) Australian composer. In addition to working on his own pieces, Grainger collected and arranged English and Irish folk songs and popularized forms of experimental music. Signature ("Percy Grainger"). One page, 3½ x 2½", n.p., n.d. Black ink on cream card stock. Inscribed "Yours cordially". Toning to edges, corner abrasions with minor soil at top left and bottom right. Good to very good condition. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $113
Lot 105		Heifetz, Jascha (1901-1987) Violin virtuoso, began touring at age 12. Hailed for his precision and speed, Heifetz' quality of performance continued even as he aged. Signature ("Jascha Heifetz"). One page, small quarto, Beverly Hills, 1927. Signature and date in black ink on Beverly Hills Hotel stationery. Lot includes original transmittal envelope. One horizontal fold, minor corner abrasions, album page residue on verso (not visible recto). Very good condition. A bold signature with a dramatic flourish. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $196
Lot 106		Hofmann, Josef (1870-1956). Austrian architect and leader of the Viennese Secession group. Signature ("Josef Hofmann"). One page, 4 x 3", Merion, Pennsylvania, 1930. A short inscription "With compliments" and a chord illustrated above the signature. Fine. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $184
Lot 107		Honegger, Arthur (1892-1955). Composer. Autograph Musical Quotation Signed ("A Honegger"). One page, 5 x 3¼", n.p., 1952. In black ink. Heavy toning, an abrasion at center, and repair at upper right corner measuring 1 x ¾". In good condition overall. Here, Honegger arranges the soprano and tenor notes to his composition, which is likely part of the "Gloria" from the Mass. He pens the Latin: "Glo-ri-a in ex-cel-cis". Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $518
Lot 108		Khachaturian, Aram (1903-1978). Armenian composer who created symphonies and ballets, concertos for the piano, violin, and cello as well as film scores and music for the Armenian national anthem. Autograph Note Signed ("Aram Khachaturian"). In Russian. Three pages recto, small octavo, n.p., circa 1959. On graph paper from a spiral notebook. In black ink. To Mitrofan Kuzmich. Inherent perforations along upper edge. Ink has smeared affecting a few words. Else, in fine condition. On behalf of a fellow composer, Khachaturian writes to a supposed concert hall manager: "I have received a letter from the esteemed Leningrad composer Valerian Mikhailovich Bogdaov Berezofsky in which her rightfully bemoans the fact that his compositions still haven't been performed in good concerts in good halls in Moscow … I ask that you, in the 1959-1960 season, in Moscow, in the Great, the Column or the Tchaikovsky Hall, produce the concert for violin with orchestra by Bogdanov-Berezovsky…". Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 109		Lehar, Franz (1870-1948) Czech composer best known for The Merry Widow. Autograph Musical Quotation on Portrait Postcard ("Lehar"). Sepia toned, 3½ x 5½", Vienna, December 20, 1927. Musical quotation from Lehar's operetta Paganini across breast of portrait. Minor abrasions to top corners, with minor discoloration to right corner, otherwise fine condition. Paganini was the first of six operettas Lehar wrote in just nine years for tenor Richard Tauber. Lehar (and the Viennese public) had been enchanted by Tauber's performance in the Lehar's Frasquita in 1922 and the composer was jolted into a creative frenzy, writing works to take advantage of Tauber's unique vocal abilities and gift for characterization. Our beautiful picture finds the composer in the midst of this fruitful period. Estimated Value $150 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $437
Lot 110		Lehar, Franz. Autograph Musical Quotation ("F Lehar"). Inscribed on the verso of his calling card, 3¾ x 2½", Vienna, November 20, 1913. Fine. An absolutely beautiful piece! Estimated Value $100 - 200. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $173
Lot 111		Prokofiev, Serge (1891-1953). Composer. Autograph Note Signed ("Serge Prokofiev"). In Russian. One page, octavo, Monte Carlo, April 2, 1929. Being a postcard. To Vladimir Bashkiroff. In blue ink. Light toning and soil from handling. Else, in fine condition. Prokofiev writes: "We came here by car from Paris. We have rehearsed my new ballet [The Prodigal Son] … I have postponed my trip to Russia … please write to me in Paris…" The Prodigal Son became the basis for Prokofiev's Fourth Symphony. Estimated Value $1,900 - 2,300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 112		Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924) Italian composer best known for Manon Lescaut (1893), La Bohème (1896), Tosca (1900) and Madame Butterfly (1904). The "King of Verismo," his enormously successful and popular operas concentrate on everyday life's emotional dramas and passions. Signed Photographic Postcard ("Giacomo Puccini / 1913"). Sepia tone, 2¾ x 5", n.p., 1913. Signed in black across chest. Minor nicks at corners, else fine. An interesting portrait of the composer as he poses with an overcoat, umbrella and fedora. Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,265
Lot 113		Rachmaninoff, Sergei (1873-1943) Russian-born composer and pianist, he fled from the Russian Revolution and settled in the United States. A composer of operas, orchestral works and songs-- many of them flavored with typical Russian melancholy -- he remains best known for his dramatic compositions for piano and orchestra. Signature ("S. Rachmaninoff"). One page, 4 x 2", n.p., n.d. Clipped signature, black ink on cream stationery. One spot of soil at upper left corner, lower right corner torn away -- signature not affected. Very good to fine condition. Estimated Value $125 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $196
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $109
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $357
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $86
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $414
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $81
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $98
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $109
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $265
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $414
Lot 124		Withdrawn	Unsold
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. View details	Realized $184
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $196
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. View details	Realized $52
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. View details	Realized $230
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $529
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $345
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. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $58