21 minute read
Music
733. Hector Berlioz Autograph
Note Signed. Scarce ANS in French, signed “H. Berlioz,” one page, 3.5 x 4, no date. Handwritten letter to “Mon cher Lacombe,” in full (translated): “I don’t have any other than the one you saw.” Archivally matted and framed with a portrait of the composer under Tru-Vue Conservation Clear glass to an overall size of 10.25 x 15.25. In fine condition, with light soiling and three horizontal folds. Starting Bid $200 735. Edvard Grieg Signed Photograph with Musical Quotation. Important
Norwegian composer and pianist (1843-1907) whose works, often with a strong nationalistic flavor, include such repertory staples as the ‘Piano Concerto in A minor,’ the incidental music to Peer Gynt, and the ‘Holberg Suite.’ Highly desirable 3.75 x 5.75 cabinet photo of Grieg by Elliott & Fry of London, boldly signed below the image in ink, “Edvard Grieg.” On the reverse, Grieg has penned four bars of music from one of his works; matted and framed under Tru-Vue Conservation Clear with a color copy of the musical quotation to an overall size of 10.25 x 14.25. In very good to fine condition, with slight brushing to the signature on the front, and some toning and staining to the reverse. Starting Bid $300
734. Antonin Dvorak Signature. Uncommon and highly sought ink signature, “Antonin Dvorak, 9/28/1895,” on an off-white 6 x 9 album page, also signed by his daughter, “Otilie Dvorakova,” his wife, “Anna Dvorakova,” and several prominent figures in Czech music: composer Joseph Suk, violinist Karel Hoffmann, and cellist Hanus Wihan (to whom Dvorak dedicated his Cello Concerto). In fine condition, with some light soiling to the bottom. Starting Bid $200
Liszt praises the “nice feeling and good style” of a young composer’s aria
ALS in German, signed “F. Liszt,” one page, 5 x 7, August 11, 1880. Handwritten letter to the young composer Cornelius Rubner in Baden-Baden, politely apologizing for his delay in responding, and saying that an aria Rubner has composer (“Jesum lass ich nicht,” op. 15) has “nice feeling and good style.” Handsomely double-matted and framed with the original mailing envelope (addressed in Liszt’s hand) and a carte-de-visite portrait to an overall size of 15.25 x 13.25. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Mendelssohn forwards a package to his London music publisher
737. Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Autograph Let-
ter Signed. ALS in German, one page, 7.25 x 6.5, May 25, 1845. Handwritten letter to Huttner & Co. in Hamburg, in part: “I ask you to be kind enough to expedite the package and the enclosed letter to the address of Mr. Buxton (Ewer & Co.) in London as soon as possible.” Archivally matted and framed alongside a portrait under Tru-Vue UV protective glass to an overall size of 19.25 x 13; reverse bears an affixed photocopy of the address panel, accomplished in Mendelssohn’s hand. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing, and a block of toning to the center. Edward Buxton was the proprietor of Messrs. Ewer & Co., sheet music publishers in London. Starting Bid $200
738. Clara Schumann Autograph Letter Signed. Composer and one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era (1819–1896). She and her husband, composer Robert Schumann, were early champions of Johannes Brahms. ALS in German, one page both sides, 4.5 x 3.75, November 15, 1887. Untranslated handwritten letter by Schumann. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Starting Bid $200
The ‘Waltz King’ makes peace with his publisher: “Well then, send the contracts and I’ll send the new waltz”
739. Johann Strauss II Autograph Letter Signed. Eminent Viennese
composer (1825–1899) known as the ‘Waltz King,’ who is remembered for such classics as ‘The Beautiful Blue Danube’ and the ‘Emperor Waltz,’ and for the operetta staple, ‘Die Fledermaus.’ ALS in German, one page, 5 x 8, April 22, [no year]. Handwritten letter to his publisher Simrock, who was also the publisher of Brahms and Dvorak. In full (translated): “We can only work together peacefully if everything is regulated by contracts that are in order. There are no differences between us in this matter—because I always gave in to you. Well then, send the contracts and I’ll send the new waltz. Since you don’t want to pay for the (vocal) text, it will simply remain my property. I’m in agreement with the changes made in the contract for the dance compositions. Anything just for the sake of finally having peace. Therefore it depends only on you—and in three days everything will be straightened out.” In very good condition, with complete silking on the back, old tape stains, and well done professional repairs to complete horizontal and vertical separations. Starting Bid $200
740. Richard Wagner Autograph Letter Signed. Important Ger-
man composer (1813–1883) who single-handedly revolutionized opera and attained status as one of the most influential geniuses in the history of music. ALS in French, signed “R. Wagner,” one page, 5.25 x 8, no date. Untranslated handwritten letter by Wagner. In very good to fine condition, with a tiny area of loss to the top edge, and a tear to the bottom repaired with old tape on the reverse. Starting Bid $300
741. Django Reinhardt Signed Photograph.
Striking vintage pearl-finish 7 x 9.25 portrait of the legendary jazz guitarist smoking a cigarette by Paris photographer Teddy Piaz, neatly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Pour Bob, Django Reinhardt.” In very good condition, with scattered light creasing, two light diagonal bends to the lower left, and silvering to the darker areas of the image. Accompanied by a small original 2.25 x 3 candid snapshot of the doorway of Reinhardt’s club La Roulotte (marked on the reverse “Paris France, 1943, Bob Klaiss”) and a letter of provenance from the former owner, which can be read online. Starting Bid $500
745. Beatles and Richard Lester Signatures. Vin-
tage ballpoint signatures of the Beatles—John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—on an off-white 7.25 x 4.5 sheet that is also signed by Richard Lester, the director of the band’s classic 1964 film, A Hard Day’s Night. The consignor notes that the autographs were obtained in 1964 while the Beatles were filming the referenced movie. In very good condition, with edge loss, small stains, and overall creasing. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $1000
Amazing Beatles photo from mid-1963, fully signed with a super rare pose
746. Beatles Signed Photograph. Vintage circa mid-
1963 glossy 8 x 10 promotional photo of the Beatles smiling brightly and looking directly into the camera, with George holding an autograph album in his left hand, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Susan, love from the Beatles, George Harrison,” “John Lennon,” “Love, Paul McCartney, xxx,” and “Ringo Starr, xxx.” In fine condition. Encapsulated in a PSA/ DNA authentication holder. Accompanied by letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA and noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, who states: “This photo was signed by The Beatles in late 1963, and is an excellent example of a Beatles signed photo in every regard.” We couldn’t agree more with Mr. Caiazzo; possessing brilliant, crisp autographs against the blank upper background, this photo is further complemented by its highly uncommon image, depicting the lads huddled together in an exuberant front-facing pose that we have not seen before. Starting Bid $1000
Rare 1961 pay document for the Beatles, with Sutcliffe and Best, at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg—the only example we’ve offered!
748. Beatles Signed 1961 Hamburg
Pay Receipt. Significant manuscript DS in German, one page, 8.25 x 11.75, June 1961. Rare early musicians’ salary document for the Beatles and Tony Sheridan at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg, Germany, from June 3-9, 1961. Each musician—George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon (unusually signing with his middle initial, “J. W. Lennon”), Stuart Sutcliffe, Peter Best, and Tony Sheridan (who playfully writes “H.R.H. Prince Sheridan”)— signs in blue ballpoint beneath an entry denoting his salary: “7 Jage a 35 = DM245 [7 days at 35 Deutsche Mark].” In fine condition.
This historic, early document represents the Beatles’ tenth week of their three-month-long residency at the Top Ten Club, situated on Hamburg’s Reeperbahn. From April 1 to July 1, 1961, the Beatles and Tony Sheridan performed continuously for 92 nights in the Top Ten Club, playing seven hours a night on weekdays, and eight hours on weekends. They were given a 15-minute break every hour, and earned 35 Deutsche Marks per night. This early iteration of the band had its core trio of George, Paul, and John as guitarists, with Pete Best on the drums and Stuart Sutcliffe—John’s close friend from art school—playing bass. Upon their return to Great Britain from Hamburg, Sutcliffe left the band to pursue his career in painting—leaving McCartney to pick up the slack as the Beatles’ bassist. Ringo Starr, who had been introduced to the Beatles while in Hamburg, would replace Best as the group’s drummer in August 1962.
This massively important document effectively represents the birth of the Beatles—the beginning of their journey. When they went to Hamburg, they were nothing. When they returned to Liverpool, they hit The Cavern Club and stood on the precipice of Beatlemania. It is a museum-worthy piece of enormous consequence in the history of popular music.
In ‘The Complete Beatles Chronicle,’ Mark Lewisohn observes: ‘A twice-extended contract led to the Beatles staying 13 weeks at the Top Ten club, playing a staggering total of 503 hours on stage over 92 nights. It was little wonder then that…their stamina and musical versatility improved dramatically as the visit wore on. When they returned to Liverpool in July they were simply untouchable.’ Provenance: Christie’s, South Kensington, April 2002. Starting Bid $1000
747. Beatles Signature Display. Desir-
able set of Beatles signatures— “To Jennifer, love from, George Harrison, xxx,” written in black ballpoint on a 3.75 x 1.75 sheet; “Paul McCartney” and “John Lennon,” written in blue and black ballpoint on a 3.5 x 2.5 sheet; and “Ringo,” who adds a star in blue felt tip on a 4.5 x 3.25 sheet. All are archivally matted and framed together with a glossy band photo to an overall size of 20 x 16.75. The George, John, and Paul signatures derive from a 1964 hardcover autograph album, and the Ringo signature includes a ticket and a ticket stub for a concert by Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center on July 31, 1995. In fine condition. Starting Bid $500
749. Beatles: Brian Epstein Signed 45 RPM Record.
Highly desirable Parlophone Records 45 RPM single for ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand / This Boy’ by The Beatles, signed on the sleeve in fountain pen by the legendary Beatles manager, “Best wishes, Brian Epstein,” and in blue ballpoint by two Beatles Fan Club secretaries, Freda Kelly and Anne Collingham. In very good to fine condition, with creasing, scuffing, and partial edge separation.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ in response to Epstein’s specific instructions to write a song with the American market in mind, and the songwriting duo could not have been more successful: it became the Beatles’ first number one hit in America, jumpstarting the ‘British Invasion’ of the US charts. The Beatles would follow with nineteen more number one singles in the United States. Starting Bid $200
750. Beatles: Lennon and Harrison Signatures.
Vintage ballpoint signatures, “Love from the Beatles, John Lennon, xx” and “George Harrison, xxx,” on an off-white 3.75 x 4.75 sheet. The consignor notes that the autographs date to 1963. In very good to fine condition, with staining affecting only appearance. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $300
751. Beatles: Lennon and McCartney Signatures.
Bold ballpoint signatures of John Lennon and Paul McCartney on a blue 4.5 x 3.75 album page. The consignor notes that the autographs were obtained in Bournemouth, England between August 19-24, 1963, when the Beatles were in the town to perform a residency at the Gaumont Theatre. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing and scattered staining. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks, and by a letter of provenance from the daughter of the recipient, which can be read online. Starting Bid $300
752. Beatles: Paul McCartney Signed Lithograph. Ex-
tremely rare 2018 ‘Cavern Live’ promotional lithograph, 11.5 x 11.5, signed in silver ink, “Cheers, Paul McCartney,” who signed just 100 of these lithographs to be given away as competition prizes after his historic concert at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, which took place on July 26, 2018. Archivally cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 18.75 x 18.75. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
753. Beatles: Klaus Voormann Original Drawing of John Lennon at the Record Plant Studio. Original draw-
ing by Klaus Voormann of John Lennon at the Record Plant recording studio in New York City, accomplished in graphite on an off-white 8.25 x 11.5 sheet, signed vertically along the right side by Voormann. The drawing, which is entitled “Record Plant New York” and marked as “D 69,” depicts Lennon resting on a studio couch next to his guitar during the recording of the 1971 album Imagine; producer Phil Spector is pictured in the background. Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 21. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
754. Beatles: Klaus Voormann Original Drawing
of John Lennon. Original drawing by Klaus Voormann entitled “John’s Toronto Look,” accomplished in graphite on an off-white 8.25 x 11.5 sheet, signed below by Voormann. The drawing, which is marked as “D 03,” depicts Lennon as he appeared—with eyeglasses, long hair, and beard—at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival in September 1969. Mounted, matted, and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 21. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
756. Bob Dylan Signed Photograph.
Scarce satin-finish 10 x 8 photo portrait of the legendary singer-songwriter posing with a billiards cue during the mid-1980s, neatly signed in brown ink, “Bob Dylan.” Reverse bears a David Appleby credit stamp. In fine condition. Dylan reportedly once said that he could measure the pulse of a town by its pool room—a desirable pose of the iconic musician, participating in one of his favorite pastimes. Starting Bid $300
757. Bob Dylan Signature. Scarce ballpoint
signature and inscription, “To Charles, Bob Dylan,” on a light green 5.5 x 4.5 album page. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
759. Led Zeppelin: John Bonham Signed Poster.
Terrific circa 1970s Swan Song promotional poster featuring four images of Led Zeppelin’s musicians, 11.5 x 16.5, signed in the lower border in blue ballpoint, “Best wishes, John Bonham.” The consignor notes that the signature dates to the late 1970s. In very good to fine condition, with some light creasing. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks. Starting Bid $300
758. Jimi Hendrix Signature. Vintage
spiral-bound pocket notebook, 3.25 x 5, signed inside in ballpoint, “Jimi Hendrix.” Other signatures in the book include Bill Collins (Badfinger), Caleb Quaye (twice), Mary Hopkin (twice) and Lulu. The consignor notes that the autographs were obtained at the Disc And Music Echo newspaper Valentine Awards, which took place at London’s Seymour Hall on February 14, 1969. Hendrix won the World’s Top Musician, Hopkin won two awards and was nominated for an additional four, and Lulu won four awards. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks and by a letter of provenance from the original recipient. Starting Bid $500
Handwritten lyrics by Noel Gallagher for 10 songs from (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?— with additional fully signed CD booklet
760. Oasis: Noel Gallagher Set of (10) Handwritten Song Lyrics and Band-Signed CD Booklet. Nearly com-
plete set of handwritten lyrics by Noel Gallagher for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, the landmark second studio album from English rock band Oasis. The lyrics are penned in various colored ink and felt tip on 10 off-white sheets, each approximately 8.25 x 11.75, and include the following song titles: ‘Wonderwall,’ ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger,’ ‘Champagne Supernova,’ ‘She’s Electric,’ ‘Cast No Shadow,’ ‘Some Might Say,’ ‘Hello,’ ‘Roll with It,’ and ‘Morning Glory.’ The lone set of lyrics not included on the album are for the song ‘The Masterplan,’ the B-side to the ‘Wonderwall’ single, and a song Gallagher has regularly declared as one of the best he has ever written. Included with the lyric set is a CD booklet for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, which has been signed on the front and back in gold ink by Noel and Liam Gallagher, and in blue felt tip by Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan, and Alan White. In overall very good to fine condition, with overall creasing to most. Starting Bid $500
761. Oasis: Noel Gallagher (4) Handwritten Song and Equipment Lists. Set
of four sheets containing song titles and equipment requirements written in the hand of Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher, presumably done as lists or guides for concert sound checks. The sheets range in size from 7 x 9 to 8.25 x 11.75, and are written in blue felt tip and black ballpoint, with the larger song sheet reading: “Go Let It Out, Supersonic, Gas Panic, Live Forever, Champagne, Rock N Roll” and “Fuckin/Bushes, Go Let It Out, [Shakermaker] Supersonic, Live Forever, Rock N Roll Star.” In overall very good to fine condition, with overall creasing, and a tear to top edge of gear list. Starting Bid $200
Large, vibrant portrait of the King, inscribed to an old classmate the night before he left for the Army
763. Elvis Presley Signed Oversized Photograph. Superb
vintage color 9.75 x 12 head-and-shoulders promotional photo of Elvis for the 1957 film Jailhouse Rock, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To D. J. uh, My best to you always, ‘your friend,’ Elvis Presley.” Affixed to a slightly larger cardstock mount. In fine condition, with moderate contrast to his first name over his checked jacket, and toning from prior display. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, George Klein, with a photo of Klein and Presley incorporated into the stationery.
Klein, or ‘D. J. uh G. K.’ as he was known on the radio, was Memphis’ leading disc jockey during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as a high school classmate of Presley. That friendship continued during the King’s rise to stardom and throughout his career, so it’s not surprising that the two would spend some time together before Presley was inducted into the Army as a private on March 24, 1958. Color photos of Elvis signed in the 1950s are very uncommon. A fabulous, oversized, visually appealing color photo with remarkable provenance. Starting Bid $500
764. Elvis Presley Signature.
Ballpoint signature, “Elvis Presley,” on an off-white 2.25 x 1 slip, which is mounted, matted, and framed with a G.I. Blues album and a 3rd Armored Division patch to an overall size of 26 x 20. In very good condition, with overall creasing and wrinkling to the signature. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient that can be read online. Starting Bid $200
Neatly penned, uninscribed Queen band portrait
765. Queen Signed Photograph. Semi-glossy 8 x 10
group photo of Queen, signed nicely in blue ballpoint by Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, John Deacon, and Brian May. In fine condition, with scattered light creasing. An ideal uninscribed Queen portrait boasting four neat and well-spaced autographs. Starting Bid $1000
766. Queen Signatures. Vintage ballpoint signature of Queen—Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Roger Taylor, and Brian May—on three irregularly trimmed sheets of green paper, each approximately measuring 4 x 3.5. The consignor notes that the signatures were obtained by an employee at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland on either the 15th or 16th of December 1975, when Queen performed there as part of their ‘A Night at the Opera’ tour. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks and by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, who mistakenly dates the autographs to 1976. Starting Bid $300
767. Queen: Freddie Mercury Signed Photograph.
Wonderful color 6.5 x 10 book or program photo of Mercury belting into a microphone during a Queen performance, signed and inscribed in red ballpoint, “To Laura, Best wishes, Freddie Mercury,” who adds below, “Looking forward to seeing you again, Love—F.M.” In fine condition, with poor contrast to most of the handwriting. Starting Bid $200
768. Rolling Stones: Jagger, Richards, and Watts
Signatures. Ink signatures of Rolling Stones bandmates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards (who inscribes “To Charles”), and Charlie Watts on individual 5.5 x 4.5 album pages. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
769. Rolling Stones: Ronnie Wood Signed Sketch.
Original felt tip self-portrait sketch and drawing of the Rolling Stones’ iconic ‘tongue-and-lips’ logo accomplished by Ronnie Wood on a white 8.25 x 7 sheet, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “Dear Vicky, Keep up the good work and much love & luck for the future, Ronnie Wood, Stones, 29.11.88.” Wood portrays himself holding an electric guitar and two paintbrushes, representing his dual vocations as a musical and visual artist. In fine condition, with a single vertical fold. Starting Bid $200
Super early and fully signed Van Halen poster
770. Van Halen Signed Poster. Fantastic early color 23 x 35 Warner Bros. Records promotional poster for Van Halen from 1978, featuring a large image of David Lee Roth singing during a concert under bold red and yellow text, “Van Halen,” with the lower left showing the front cover of their self-titled debut album, signed in white grease pencil by all four band members: “Get down 103!! David Lee Roth,” “103 Rocks!! Michael Anthony,” “Look out for 103!! Edward Van Halen,” and “Rock & Roll 103, Alex Van Halen.” Rolled and in fine condition. Among the very coolest, most displayable Van Halen items that we have ever auctioned. Starting Bid $200
771. Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature. Plain Manilla file folder,
11.75 x 9.5, signed prominently in felt tip by Stevie Ray Vaughan. The folder is also signed by Jon Anderson of progressive rock band Yes, who signs first name only and adds “x, Yes!!” In fine condition, with light toning and soiling. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Starting Bid $200
Signed at the onset of the legendary band’s first U.S. tour
772. The Who Signed Photograph. Stunning vintage glossy 10 x 8 U.S. promotional photo of The Who, an image captured by photographer Chris Morphet during a live taping of the BBC TV program Top of the Pops on September 21, 1966, signed in blue felt tip by Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon and John Entwistle. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks.
The signatures were obtained at the onset of The Who’s first proper U.S. tour in June 1967 by Timothy D. Kehr, an American record producer and concert promoter. Promotional photographs signed by all four original members of The Who are exceedingly scarce, with very few surfacing to date. This is unquestionably one of the finest examples we have seen. Starting Bid $1000
