Opera





click to view image


BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Friday evening 31 May 1889
lovely 8 x 10 paper lacework border program
for the palace concert featuring Lillian NORDICA,
Fernando d'ANDRADE & Marie van ZANDT at
Queen Victoria's command.
Lovely embossed heading.
***90***


226. ADANI, Mariella- SP 8 x 10 Sorenson/Chicago Lyric stage shot as Adina 1962.
Uncommon...............................................$25

227. BACQUIER, Gabriel- SP 8 x 10 Sorenson/Chicago Lyric photo as OREO dedicated to photographer Nancy Sorenson.
Superb....................................................$75

228. BANDIN, Sofia- SP 5 x 7 or 3 x 4 portrait of the terrific Argentine spinto prominent during the 50s-60s. Her tapes are well worth hearing. Some surface creases.
.....................................................Each $25

229. BATTISTINI, Mattia- SPc of the elegant King of baritones wearing his top hat - very elegant. Roma 1901 (home for a bit from Mother Russia no doubt)
..........................................................$200

230. BING, Sir Rudolph- TLS on Metropolitan Opera Association Inc. stationary 1950... thanking for interesting suggestions..."I get many of these, and too many of them are mutually incompatable..."
..........................................................$50

231. BISHOP, Madam Anna- "with compliments" writes the legendary English soprano much loved by Donizetti, Mercadante and Verdi. Her continental conquests were enormous and she later repeated them in America where she died. Married to composer Sir Henry Bishop- (Home Sweet Home) Together with image suitable for matting with signature.
..........................................................$125

232. BJORLING, Jussi- SP 8 x 10 bust portrait as DON CARLO the role he sang for the opening night of the BING Regieme 1950. SPLENDID and RARE.
..........................................................$1375

233. BLACHUT, Beno- SPc of the super Czech tenor star in LIBUSE s. 1945 writing a bit light but RARE this intage.
..........................................................$75

234. BORGONOVO, Luigi- SPc bust portrait of the Italian baritone star of the inter WW years who enjoyed quite an international career.
..........................................................$85

235. BRANZELL, Karin-SPc photo full body Munchen Adrianno (RIENZI) - from her 1920s absolute prime. Branzell was an extraordinarly versatile singer much beloved both at both the Met and in Germany
..........................................................$125

236. BUMBRY, Grace- SP 4 x 6 Fayer shot as Eboli one of her great roles. Bumbry was honored by Opera Index this January.
..........................................................$35

*237. CALLAS, Maria - SP stunning 8x10 Steiner portrait used for Angel records piblicity d/s 1974. Uncommon this size.
..........................................................$1,275

238. CALLEJA, Icilio- SPc bust portrait hand to smiling face. Calleja was born in Corfu of a Spanish/Jewish family that had emmigrated to Alexandria and opened a bank. His debut was under Toscanini at La Scala in LA WALLY 1907 and through the 1920s remained one of Italy's leading dramatic tenors an especially noted OTELLO. He recorded accoustically.
Scarce....................................................$250

239. CANDIUS, Wilhelm- nice signature on card Boston June 3, 1882 from the noted tenor star together with laid down unmounted sepia cabinet portrait.
..........................................................$60

240. CANIGLIA, Maria- SP 5 x 7 photo as dedicated to Nancy (SORENSON) Chicago Lyric photographer. Cangilia was often in residence in Chicago as husband Pino DONATI was Lyric's head stage director. Lovely image of this warm voice giving singer.
..........................................................$75

*241. CARUSO, Enrico - SPc showing Caruso, Chaliapin & Ruffo together in a famous painting reproduced boldly signed by CARUSO
..........................................................$975

*242. CARUSO, Enrico - SP Rockwood sepia cabinet photo 1905 d/s. SUPERB example of an uncommon pose
..........................................................$1,500

243. CARUSO, Marianno- SP 4 x 6 or 8 x 10 portrait of the super Italian character tenor de luxe dedicate too to Nancy (SORENSON). Caruso was a longtime plus in Lyric's performances.
.....................................................Each $45

244. CARY, Anna Louise - ALS 2 pp from the popular American soprano requesting a medical excuse from her Doctor to be sent to the Philadelphia manger so she does not have to sing there Monday together with image suitable for matting.
..........................................................$85

245. CESARI, Renato- SP 8 x 10 shot of the young baritone as Angelotti d/s 1962
..........................................................$25

246. CRESPIN, Regine- SP 8 x 10 seated shot as Tosca Act 2 d/s to Nancy (SORENSON). Dedication a little light. "MONUMENTAL" pose.
..........................................................$45

247. DALMORES, Charles- SPc sepia half body portrait 1910. Important versatile French tenor star.
..........................................................$85

248. d'ALVAREZ, Marguerite- "c'est avec grand plasir" and huge signature on card from Liverpool!! born Peruvian contralto of international and flamboyant fame together with a bunch of magazine photos.
..........................................................$30

249. della CASA, Lisa- SP 4 x 6 shot as La Scala Sophie in ROSENKAVALIER 1951-2-lovely young shot.
..........................................................$65

250. de LUCA, Giuseppe- SPc sepia standing portrait of the "Commendatore" s. New York 1916.
..........................................................$150

251. DESTINN, Emmy-SPc sepia shot of the young Moravian prima donna New York 1910. Lovely.
..........................................................$150

252. di STEFANO, Giuseppe- SP 8 x 10 portrait young image s. 1995.
..........................................................$60

253. DONATI, Pino- SP 8 x 10 portrait of the famed Italian stage director (married to soprano Maria CANGLIA) d/s to Nancy (SORENSON) longtime Chicago lyric photographer 1958. Important practitioner.
..........................................................$60

254. DUX, Claire- SPc elegant full body image of the angelic voiced Polish soprano later Mrs. Meatpacker SWIFT after having been previously married to writer Imperatori and German actor Heinrich Albers. Wonderful recordings. Signed 1922.
..........................................................$100

255. EDVINA, Louise- large signature on card Boston 1913 from the lovely Canadian prima donna a great star in London, Chicago & Boston pre WW1-Fiora, Louise Tosca (the role of her only Met appearance opposite Caruso & Scotti 1915). She made only 3 records and her autograph is quite elusive too. Together with magazine photos & some reviews.
..........................................................$40

256. FARRELL, Eileen- SP 8 x 10 shot of the beloved American dramatic soprano in discussion with Maestro CILLARIO over the score (Chicago Lyric) dedicated to Nancy (Sorenson) and nicely signed EILEEN.
Unusual................................................$125

257. FERRARI-FONTANA, Edoardo- "ARTE! UNICA! Signed Boston 1914 by the Italian dtamatic tenor married at the time to MATZENAUER together with some magazine photos of him in role & them etc.
..........................................................$35

258. GALLI-CAMPI, Amri- signed check from the American coloratura soprano from the 30s on together with publicity flyer with portrait photo & reviews & 8 x 10 unsigned role photo. She sang only once with the MET on tour
..........................................................$30

259. GAY, Maria- SPc of the tough looking young Spanish mezzo wife of tenor ZENATELLO and co founder of the Verona Arena Festival performances as well as "discoverers" of Lily PONS.
..........................................................$85

260. GERSTER, Etelka- SP slightly trimmed Sarony cabinet portrait signed in rembrance New York 1883 together with several newspaper pictures including her daughter Berha Kirchoff-Gardini wife of tenor Walther Kirchoff.
..........................................................$175

261. GIGLI, Beniamino - SP 6 x 9 sepia shot from AIDA. 1951. Top and bottom margin trimmed.
..........................................................$375

262. GIGLI, Renato- telegram to MASCAGNI HOTEL PLAZA ROMA STREPITOSO SUCCESSO MARAT PARMA TRISSATO DUETTO- SALUTI GIGLI INCREDIBLE SUCCESS (PICCOLO) MARAT PARMA SANG DUET 3 TIMES-GREETINGS GIGLI. This refers to the 1938-9 performance. Memorabilia concerning Renato Gigli is highly elusive, fine singer.
..........................................................$40

263. GRIFFEL, Kay- SP 8 x 10 shot of the American soprano in summer getup & bonnett d/s to Nanchen (Nancy Sorenson) -sKay.
..........................................................$35

264. GRISI, Giulia- ALS 1 p in FrenchÅ "as you said yesterday it would be the same to you if I made my return in PURITANI or OTELLO I then prefer the later to be. All the best G. Grisi- together with image suitable for matting. Nice mention of 2 of her greatest roles.
..........................................................$250

265. GRUMMER, Elisabeth- SPc size Electrola portrait with recordings listed verso. Soft stock, nice early example. GREAT singer.
..........................................................$50

266. HARSHAW, Margaret- SP 5 x 6 magazine portrait of the late dramatic soprano/teacher as a young woman nicely signed.
..........................................................$45

267. HORNE, Marilyn- SP 8 x 10 young portrait or stage shot from ITALIAN in ALGERI d/s '80.
.....................................................Each $35

268. JERUSALEM, Sigfried- SP 4 x 6 Fayer Wien shot as Siegmund-color.
..........................................................$35

269. KIRSTEN, Dorothy- SP 8 x 10 portrait of the sporty smiling DIVA d/s.
..........................................................$50

270. KLOSE, Margarete- SP 4 x 6 Saeger Berlin shot of the young Brangane. Klose undoubtedly had one of the greatest voices of her generation and has remained a point of reference.
..........................................................$75

271. KOLLO, Rene- SP 5 x 7 stage shot as Stolzing
..........................................................$35

272. KRANIK, Ardis- SP 8 x 10 youthful portrait of the late General Manager of the Chicago Lyric Opera d/s to Nanetta (Nancy Sorenson) "whose smile lights up the day with love & affection Ardis". She's a tough act to follow.
..........................................................$75

273. KUNZ, Erich- SP 4 x 6 shot as Leporello banquet scene.
..........................................................$35

274. LANTIERI, Rita- SP 5 x 7 shot as Micaela or Contessa.
.....................................................Each $25

275. LAPPAS, Ulysse- SPc bust shot of the Greek tenor internationally active late teens-30s-La Scala, Chicago etc. Columbia records.
Exceedingly Rare.......................................$300

276. LAUDY, Rachel- SP 5x7 of the French mezzo en role d/s 1920. A very popular singer during the 20s - 30 in all the major French theatres.
..........................................................$50

277. LAVIRGEN, Pedro- SP 5 x 7 role photo of the Spanish tenor.
..........................................................$50

278. LAWRENCE, Majorie- TLS on Southern Illinois University stationary 1965 to Nancy Sorenson arranging a meeting.
..........................................................$30

279. LINDHOLM, Berit- SP 4 x 7 shot as Turandot. Fine Swedish soprano.
..........................................................$25

280. LUDWIG, Walther- SPc portrait of the elegant German lyric tenor, later teacher and still later MD. Many very fine recordings.
..........................................................$35

281. MAZZOLI, Feruccio- SP 8 x 10 role photo of then young Italian basso.
..........................................................$25

282. MERRILL, Robert- SP 8 x 10 informal portrait of the smiling baritone d/s.
..........................................................$30

283. MICHEAU, Janine & VINAY, Ramon- both sign cast list of Chicago Opera CARMEN 1946 season. Micheau is exceedingly rare, and a super singer, Owner made notations towards side.
..........................................................$40

*284. MILANOV, Zinka- SP 5 x 7 Sudak Buenos Aires photo as TURANDOT signed recuerdos de Zinka Milanov-RARE VINTAGE. signature from time of her 1940 Colon appearances in TURANDOT.
..........................................................$200

285. MILLER, Williams-friendly greetings on verso of photo as Assad. Creator of DAS LIED von der ERDE
..........................................................$20

286. MILNES, Sherill-SP 8x10 informal portrait d/s
..........................................................$25

287. MIURA, Tamaki- SP 8 x 10 Ermini Milano shot as MADAMA BUTTERFLY the Japanese soprano's signature role dedicated "alla mia brava SUZUKI per recordo della sua piccola Cio Cio San" signed in Roman and Japanese characters 1931. Charming.
..........................................................$250

288. MOFFO, Anna- SP 8 x 10 glamour shot with feather boat. D/s
..........................................................$35

289. MOORE, Grace- the beloved DIVA signs 1938 concert program page.
..........................................................$50

290. MOSER, Edda- SP 5 x 7 color photo from Electrola. Big hat & beautiful.
..........................................................$25

291. NERI, Giulio- SP 5 x 7 shot of the bare torso MEFISTOFOLE his signature role. Writing a little light but clear d/s 1947.
..........................................................$60

292. NILSSON, BIRGIT- SP 8 x 10 shot of the loveable swedish DIVA acknowledging the applause after a concert. LOVELY.
..........................................................$50

293. NILLSON, Birgit- signs Met program cover for closing night at the OLD HOUSE April 16, 1966. Dedicated "in rembrance of the last performance in a great theatre 4-16-66. Birgit.
..........................................................$40

294. NORDICA, Lillian- ALS 2 pp letter of condolence and transmittal of check 1889 s. L. Nordica.
..........................................................$65

295. O'SULLIVAN, John- SPc bust portrait of the famed Irish dramatic tenor an intimate of James Joyce and beloved in Italy, South America but above all in France d/s Modena 1925.
..........................................................$225

296. PEASE, James- AP 8 x 10 seated Abresch portrait of the deceased American basso. Active in Hamburg.
..........................................................$45

297. PEIL, Mary Beth- SP 5 x 7 shot as SUOR ANGELICA d/s Mary Beth.
..........................................................$25

298. PERTILE, Aureliano- telegram to ECCELENZA MASCAGNI HOTEL PLAZA ROMA from BOLOGNA-SIGNED CONTRACT AND SEND MY ENTHUSIASM IN COLLABORATING WITH YOU ON YOUR NERONE AT THE REALE AFFECTIONATE GREETINGS TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE AURELIANO PERTILE. Nice bit of ephemera.
..........................................................$50

299. PERTUSI, Michese- SP 4 x 6 b/w portrait or color Figaro. Basso had great success in Met CENERENTOLA.
.....................................................Each $30

300. PETERS, Roberta- SP 8 x 10 portrait of the smiling soprano d/s
..........................................................$25

301. PICCAVER, Alfred-TLS on his embossed stationary Wien 14.1.37 in reference to prosposed return engagement in Prag where he had started many years before. He states that the time between performances is too great as to do this he would have to take a leave in Vienna he would like to do roles he has not or seldom has sung in Prag before. Interesting.
..........................................................$35

302. PICCIONATO, Carlo- SP 8 x 10 shot of the famed Mr, Instant Opera stage director climbing onto a plane and shaking Chicago photographer Nancy Sorenson's hand d/s 1958.
..........................................................$50

303. PONSELLE, Rosa- SP 8 x 10 shot as a very glamorous Carmen- not the usual poses seen d/s 1976.
..........................................................$150

304. PRICE, Leontyne- SP 7 x 9 portrait d/s.
..........................................................$50

305. REICHMANN, Theodor- ALS 3 pp in German 1891 from the Viennese baritone together with unsigned C d V portrait & black trimmed funeral anouncement 1903.
..........................................................$95

306. RIGAL, Delia- SP 4 x 5 color shot as Met DON CARLO Elisabetta
..........................................................$30

307. SANTUNIONE, Orianna- SP 5 x 7 shot in La Scala MADAME SANS GENE d/s 1970. Handsome soprano.
..........................................................$40

308. SCOTTO, Renata- SP 8 x 10 color shot as Met Musetta d/s 1977.
..........................................................$40

309. SCHRODTER, Fritz-signs verso or portrait photo
..........................................................$10

310. SCHORR, Friedrich- SPc as legendary Hans Sachs d/s 1939.
..........................................................$125

311. SCHWARZKOPF, Elisabeth- signs lovely youthful program photo inside program for 1954 Lisbon recital.
..........................................................$60

312. SERRA, Luciana- SP 4 x 6 color photo role wild hat.
..........................................................$25

313. SILLS, Beverly-SP 8x10 youthful portrait by Christian Steiner.
..........................................................$25

314. SMITH, Malcolm- SP 8 x 10 shot as Chicago Pistols.
..........................................................$25

315. SONTAG, Henriette Rossi- wonderful oversize signature New York 13th Feb. 1853 together with image of the legendary diva.
..........................................................$95

316. STEVENS, Rise- SP 8 x 10 portrait d/s or action concert shot orchestra and conductor in back.
.....................................................Each $50

317. STIGNANI, Ebe- SPc very young Giacomelli Venezia portrait d/s 1927 at the very start. Writing light but clear.
..........................................................$75

318. STIGNANI, Ebe- signs cast page for Chicago CAVALERIA Nov 25, 1955 a career later. She tore Chicago apart in these performances.
..........................................................$35

319. STREICH, Rita- SPc DGG of the enchanting soprano d/s.
..........................................................$25

320. SUTHERLAND, Joan- SP 8 x 10 shot as seated Violetta d/s. Absolutely lovely. Houston Rogers shot.
..........................................................$75

321. TETRAZZINI, Luisa- SPc sepia image of the monumental songbird behind a tiny chair with the potted plants behind d/s. Wonderful.
..........................................................$175

322. TIETJENS, Theresa- signs yours truly. German soprano beloved especially in London where she died.
..........................................................$75

323. TRAXEL, Josef- SPc portrait (Electrola) of the important German lyric tenor of the 50s-60s at home in bel canto.
..........................................................$35

324. TUCKER, Richard- SP 8 x 10 shot from Chicago LUCIA d/s to Nancy (SORENSON) with remembrance of a wonderful season.
..........................................................$125

325. TURANDOT- First edition program/libretto with cast from the La Scala world premiere 1926. Nice cover. A little worn but nice souvenir.
..........................................................$35

326. VALENTINI-TERRANI, Lucia- SP 4 x 6 Piccagliani La Scala shot as Cenerentola 1972-3.
..........................................................$40

327. VERRETT, Shirley- SP 8 x 10 Met color shot as Torca.
..........................................................$40

328. von ROKITANSKY, Hans- black bodered funeral announcement 1909 for the K/K Kammersanger.
..........................................................$20

329. von TRAPP, Maria signs verso of color pc portrait taken Stowe Vermont 1977.
..........................................................$30

330. WARREN, Leonard- SP 5 x 7 portrait d/s.
..........................................................$175

331. WEST, Christopher- SP 8 x 10 serious portrait of the deceased stage director d/s to Nancy (SORENSON) 1961. West had a most important international career furing the 50s-60s.
..........................................................$40

332. WILDERMANN, William- SP 8 x 10 shot as Chicago Lothario.
..........................................................$40

333. WILLIAMS, Camilla, WINTERS, Lawrence, VINAY Ramon, KRESTE, Mary- all sign cast page for New York City Opera AIDA Dec 10 & 17, 1948. WILLIAMS & WINTERS are quite scarce.
..........................................................$65

334. WINDGASSEN, Wolfgang & NILSSON, Birgit- SP 8 x 10 shot as Tristan and Isolde-Chicago. The only time the legendary pair sana together in the USA. BOTH SIGNED.
..........................................................$150

335. ZANASI, Mario- SP 8 x 10 moody offstage shot d/s alla grazioso Signorina Nancy ( Sorenson). Underrated baritone.
..........................................................$45

336. ZEFIRELLI, Franco- the great Italian designer/director signs beautiful color reproductions of his stage decors for the Met productions of LA TRAVIATA, TOSCA, LA BOHEME, TURANDOT and OTELLO. These are covers of 4 page invitations to the premiere performances of these works and have complete cast information etc. inside. Lovely souvenirs.
.....................................................Each $ 50

THE GARCIA FAMILY
GARCIA, Jr., Manuel- signed on album leaf by the legendary
baritone brother of MALIBRAN & VIARDOT one of the VERY
GREATEST singing teachers of all time with influence to the present
(just read the late Margaret HARSHAW's recent interviews). He is
together with 4 others including composers George ALEXANDER &
Wm STERNDALE BENNET. His signature can be easily separated.
RARE $300
MALIBRAN, Maria-ALS in French with signature in the
text... "you know Monsieur that you would so kind if you could
come to dinner today at my home 3pm with the bearer of this letter.
Would you make MALIBRAN happy?" 23 November-28 rue Blanche (Paris).
***$875***
VIARDOT, Pauline-ALS 1 p in French announcing that the famous box
is open and to please come tomorrow between noon & 1pm
***$150***
THE GARCIA METHOD - SCUOLA di GARCIA TRATTATO COMPLETO dell'ARTE
del CANTO di EMANUELE GARCIA (Figlio) - Parts 1 & 2 as published
by Ricordi in large quarto edition nicely bound by previous
owner. A CLASSIC and must for any student of voice.
***$150***


Opera Signatures


a. BACCALONI, Salvatore
......................................$10

b. BONELLI, Richard w. greeting 1929
......................................$10

c. GADSKI, Johanna- 1896 BOSTON
......................................$20

d. GALLI-CURCI- 1923 on card
......................................$25

e. KIEPURA, Jan
......................................$10

f. LIST, Emanuel w. laid down photo
......................................$10

g. MILLER, William- friendly greetings on verso of photo as Assad. Creator of DAS LIED von der ERDE.
......................................$10

h. MOORE, Grace- Best wishes 1938 was trimmed but all clear
......................................$20

i. OLSZEWSKA, Maria dramatic
......................................$10

j. OLDHAM, Derek- English tenor
......................................$10

k. ROBESON, Paul- every good wish Dec. 1929
......................................$50

l. ROTHIER, Leon; JOHNSON, Edward; SAVAGE, Maria (RARE) & ROBSON BELMONT. Eleanor (founder of Met Opera Guild) all sign large AL page
......................................$30

m. SCHMEDES, Erich Wien 1913
......................................$15

n. SCHRODTER, Fritz- signs verso or portrait photo
......................................$10

o. THOMAS, John Charles
......................................$15


Current Crop of Singers

ANDERSON, June- 5 x 7 great shot
..................................................$25

CHERNOV, Vladimir- SP 4 x4 portrait
..................................................$25

CROFT, Dwayne - SP 4 x4 portrait
..................................................$25

JOSE CURA

SP color shot of the Argentine

tenor who has the looks and voice

to become Corelli's successor as

SAMSON or private

***each $40***


DANIELS, David-SP of the counter tenor 8x10
.................................................$25

DESSAY, Nathalie-SP 8 x 10 of the brilliant soprano as Zerbinetta of Olympia
....each $25

GRAVES, Denyce - SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

GULEGHINA, Maria- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

GUNN, Nathan- SP 5 x 7 Romeo & Juliette
.................................................$20

HADLEY, Jerry- SP 4x4 portrait
.................................................$25

HALVARSON, Eric SP portrait
.................................................$25

HEPPNER, Ben- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

LANGRIDGE, Philip- SP 4 x 6 portrait
.................................................$25

LARMORE, Jennifer- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

LIMA, Luis- SP 4x4 recent portrait
.................................................$25

MALFITANO, Catherine - SP 4x4 portrait
.................................................$25

MARGISON, Richard- SP 4 x 6 portrait
.................................................$25

MENTZER, Suzanne- SP 5 x 7 Annio
.................................................$25

MORRIS, James- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

QUASTHOFF, Thomas- SP 4 x 6 color portrait
.................................................$25

RACETTE, Patricia SP 4 x 4 portrait
.................................................$25

ROLFE-JOHNSON, Anthony- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

SWEET, Sharon- SP 4 x 4 portrait
.................................................$25

SWENSON, Ruth Ann- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

UPSHAW, Dawn- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

VANESS, Carol- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

VARGAS, Ramon- SP role photo 8 x 10
.................................................$25

VOIGT, Deborah- SP 4 x4 portrait
.................................................$25

ZAJIC, Dolora SP role or portrait
.................................................$25

Abbreviations
SP - Signed Photo
AL - Album Leaf
AS - Autograph Sentiment
PCC - Printed Calling Cards
ALS - Autographed Letter Signed
D/S - Dedicated & Signed
ANS - Autographed, Note, Signed
SPc - Signed Postcard
AMusQS - Autographed Musical Quote Signed
TLS - Letter signed by person described
LS - Letter signed by person described,
written by another




This page copyright © 1998, Roger Gross, Ltd. All rights reserved.
This site designed and maintained by