Dealer's Lot of French, Italian & American Composers' Autographs, 6 Composers, 7 Sigs!

An archive of autographed material in three languages from French, Italian, and American composers active from the 19th to the 21st centuries, providing an interesting overview of the history of musical composition, from classical and opera to jazz and movie scores. Signers include, in alphabetical order: Arthur Foote; Umberto Giordano; Félix-Alexandre Guilmant; Ray Henderson; Jules Massenet; and John Williams. The items include autographed musical quotations signed; autographed notes and letters signed; signed calling cards; and signed photos. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good to near fine. The largest item measures 8" x 10."

The lot consists of:

Arthur Foote

1. An autograph musical quotation signed by American composer Arthur Foote (1853-1937), as "Greetings to / Kenneth Rendall / Arthur Foote / 22 (?) May 1935" on a cream stock card affixed with a photo clipping. Foote has penned two measures of musical notation in the bass clef below. Slightly toned left edge. Two letters of Foote's inscription are slightly smeared. Else near fine. 3.375" x 5.25."

Umberto Giordano

2. A 1p autograph letter in Italian signed by Italian composer Umberto Giordano (1867-1948) as "Giordano" at bottom. N.d., n.p. On a card embossed "Edoardo Sonzogno-Editore / Milano" at the top. Giordano conveys his compliments to a colleague, "Maestro Gnecchi," possibly referring to fellow composer Vittorio Gnecchi (1876-1954). A few isolated spots or smears, else near fine. 5.375" x 4.125."

Félix-Alexandre Guilmant

3. A 1p autograph letter in French signed by French composer Félix-Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911) as "Alex: Guilmant" at lower right. October 23, 1891. N.p. On custom stationery showing a few music notes in treble clef at the letterhead. Guilmant asks a student named "Monsieur Carl" to report to an address in Paris for his next music lesson. Flattened paper folds and mounting traces verso, else near fine. 3.875" x 6.125."

Ray Henderson

4. An autograph musical quotation signed by American composer Ray Henderson (1896-1970) as "Sincerely Ray Henderson" at bottom. Henderson has penned four measures of his 1925 Dixieland jazz hit, "Don't Bring Lulu," later performed by the Andrews Sisters, above his greeting. Near fine. 8.5" x 3.625."

Jules Massenet

5. An autograph note in French signed by French composer Jules Massenet (1842-1912) as "J. Massenet / trop tard!…21 8bre 1877 10 1/2 matin." [trans: "too late!...21 Oct. 1877 10 1/2 am."] probably left at a friend's house who he had missed meeting. Scattered minor foxing and flattened folds, else near fine. 3.75" x 2.875."

6. A calling card belonging to Jules Massenet, inscribed by him in blue colored pencil as "de tout coeur!" [trans: "with all my heart!"] above his printed name as "J. Massenet." 4.125" x 2.625."

John Williams

7. A color glossy 8" x 10" photograph showing American composer John Williams (born 1932), signed by him as "John Williams" at lower right. A few gentle wrinkles, else near fine.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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