Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 9

Manuscript, Collectible and Philatelic Auction

Businessmen, Engineers etc.

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 422		Gounod, Charles (1818-1893). French composer, remembered today for his opera Faust, he also composed numerous choral and orchestral works. Made a Grand Officier of the Legion of Honor in 1888. Autograph Letter Signed ("Ch. Gounod"). In French. Two pages, 7 x 4¼", n.p., February 28, 1882. To "Mon cher ami." One faint horizontal fold. Very minor soiling and toning at edges. In very good to fine condition. This very intriguing letter (with a marvelous classical allusion) leaves us longing for a clue as to the context: "I find that it would be less than correct for me, a craftsman to become the spokesman for the recriminations you mention, no matter how legitimate they may be. One should not imitate what one condemns: those excesses never jeopardized anything seriously, and one should quietly let Boreas forever lose his challenge against Phoebus. All the best, Ch. Gounod". Estimated Value $225 - 325. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 423		Hammerstein, Oscar (1895-1960). Lyricist and screenwriter of numerous Broadway musicals often working with Jerome Kern and George Gershwin. His most popular films however, were in collaboration with Richard Rodgers, including Oklahoma!, The King and I, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music. Typed Letter Signed ("Oscar"). On a single, quarto sheet, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1941. On "Highland Farm" stationery. In black ink. To his agent, Mr. R. A. Wachsman. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. One horizontal and one vertical crease, light folds at top center, and a few tears at edges. In good to very good condition. Referring to a song written with Jerome Kern entitled "Make Believe", Hammerstein responds to a letter from his agent: "Many of the questions you ask can be answered by Jerry who will give you the same answers as I… have no recollection of "Make-Believe" ever having been considered as a river song." He then explains the process of the collaboration -- Hammerstien heard the song at Kern's home and the lyrics simply came to him, "I have no idea how they came to me and I had no idea then why I thought of them and how they would apply to a lyric for which I had formed no conception whatever." Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $230
Lot 424		Indy, Vincent D' (1851-1931). French composer and teacher, he derided 19th century French musical tradition as superficial and advocated more "substantial" style and content in the fashion of Bach, Beethoven and Wagner. Autograph Letter Signed ("Vincent d'Indy"). In French. Three pages, 7 x 4½", n.p., December 7, 1891. One very faint horizontal crease and very minor soiling at bottom of second page. In fine to very fine condition. Here, d'Indy discusses the parts for a performance of La Forêt Enchantée, to be directed by d'Indy for the Société des Concerts Le Havre. Musical societies, formed primarily in the last half of the 19th century, provided the public with opportunities to hear new music from established as well as upcoming artists. D'Indy became president of the Société Nationale de Musique only one year before this letter was written. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 425		Kern, Jerome (1885-1945) Academy Award winning composer whose Broadway hit Show Boat introduced the concept of the serious musical play. Kern's songs, including "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "Ol' Man River" and "The Way You Look Tonight," are standards in the American musical canon. Typed Document Signed ("Jerome D. Kern"). One page, 8½ x 11", n.p. (New York?), December 30, 1931. Being a contract with H.B. Harms Company. Mailing folds, staple holes at top left and minor wrinkling at top edge. Fine condition. This contract between Kern and music publisher H. B. Harms Company concerns rights to the music from The Cat and The Fiddle, Kern's 1931 Broadway show. Surely this contract, paying Kern one dollar "and other valuable consideration," worked out well for the Harms Company -- MGM adapted The Cat and The Fiddle for the big screen, featuring the ever popular Jeanette MacDonald and Ramon Navarro. While not a huge hit, the movie was a respectable success and helped open the door for Kern's move to writing for Hollywood musicals. Estimated Value $300 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 426		Kern, Jerome. Document Signed ("Jerome Kern"). Partially printed, accomplished in typescript. One page, recto and verso, oblong quarto, New York, July 19, 1934. Being a contract. In black ink. With five horizontal folds, a small surface abrasion at upper right, and small loss to left edge. Overall, in fine condition. Along with lyricist Bernard Dougall, Kern signs this contract arranging the Canadian copyright for the song "I'll Be Hard to Handle". A turning point in his career, it was at this point that Kern moved to Hollywood to work on the filming of his Broadway show, Roberta. Estimated Value $275 - 375. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $288
Lot 427		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 Letter Signed ("Aram Khachaturian"). Two pages, oblong quarto, n.p., n.d. In black ink. To a friend, Valentina Savona from Baku in Soviet Azerbaijan. With one horizontal and one vertical fold. In fine condition. In a very warm correspondence, the musical master describes his faux pas regarding a telegram to a mutual friend: "Please forgive me for answering late. I received a small postcard from Sofia Vasilevna, and after your letter I answered with a big congratulations telegram… There is one thing bothering me -- that I put my signature with all my official titles. I thought that the anniversary telegram would be read in front of all the famous people, and I thought that the public should know who is sending the congratulations." After discussing his absent-minded tendencies of habitually misplacing addresses, Khachaturian returns to the previous issue: "I sent the telegram under the … street name … that is probably the name of her street. I'm afraid she didn't receive my telegram." Finally, he ends the letter with an invitation to his friend: "Please say hello to your spouse Isaak Konstantinovich…If I would have a chance to stop at Baku, I'd really appreciate the opportunity to tell you about my inventions." Interestingly, Konstantinovich was a Russian thermonuclear scientist who contributed to an important report warning that the use of atomic weapons would emit concentrations of radioactive substances, biologically destructive to vegetation and human life. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 428		Korngold, Erich Wolfgang (1897-1957) Austrian born composer. A child prodigy whose early successes on the concert stage were matched by his triumphs in Hollywood, where he won Oscars for the scores of Anthony Adverse and The Adventures of Robin Hood. Autograph Musical Quotation Signed ("Erich Wolfgang Korngold"). One page, 6½ x 4", Vienna, September 1921. Being four measures from Korngold's opera Violanta. Minor toning at edges, otherwise in fine condition. Violanta premiered in Munich in 1916 (Korngold was only 18!) in a joint performance with his first opera, Der Ring des Polykrates. Although he is best remembered for his amazing film scores, the Korngold legacy does include wonderful chamber music and moving Lieder as well as operas. Puccini said of Korngold, "He has so much talent that he could easily give us half - and still have enough left for himself!" Estimated Value $400 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 429		Mancinelli, Luigi (1848-1921). Italian cellist and conductor whose popularity was rivaled only by that of Toscannini. Autograph Note Signed ("L. Mancinelli"). On a single duodecimo sheet, recto and verso, n.p., n.d. Being a personalized calling card. In black ink. To Max Hirsok, Esquire. With water stains affecting several words on the recto, and residue from an adhesive on the verso. In fair to good condition. In a short note, the conductor makes a quick request, and offers his "many thanks" in return. Estimated Value $75 - 125. View details	Unsold
Lot 430		Massenet, Jules (Emile Frederic) (1842-1912). French composer whose operas include Le Cid and Werther. Autograph Note Signed ("J. Massenet"). In French. On a single duodecimo sheet, n.p., n.d. Being a personalized calling card. In black ink. In excellent condition. Here, Massenet writes a lengthy note regarding the opera: "My dear friend / I am absolutely obliged to stay at the opera for serious business, can you excuse me?" He then mentions that he will be staying near a Mr. Delain (?) on whom he is counting for a certain assistance. Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 431		Pavlova, Anna (1881-1931). Russian ballerina, most celebrated dancer of her time. Signed Photograph ("Anna Pavlova"). Sepia toned, 3½ x 5½", n.p., n.d. Printed postcard signed in black to the left of Miss Pavlova's image. Minor crease across bottom left corner. In fine to very fine condition. A charming portrait of a young Pavlova in elaborate costume. Her dramatic signature is what one would expect from such a dynamic performer. Estimated Value $300 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $368
Lot 432		Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924). Italian composer best known for La Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. The "King of Verismo," his operas concentrate on everyday life's emotional dramas and passions. Autograph Letter Signed ("Your Giacomo"). In Italian. Two pages, octavo, Torre del Lago, Tuscany, May 18, 1921. On Puccini's Torre del Lago stationery. To Rose Ader ("My adored Rosa"). Accompanied by the hand addressed transmittal envelope and a very nice postcard portrait of Puccini. Two very small stains on recto, one faint horizontal and one faint vertical crease. In fine condition. Underlines and exclamation points dot this passionate missive, which reads like an aria: "…I think how happy I would be if I had you close (to me). But I was born unlucky in love! How I would like to see you! I can't forget the few hours in Venice! They revolve in my mind all the particulars of these brief moments, which are eternal in my soul and in my heart…I read through your little letters again and kiss them as I would kiss all of you, my adored one…" There is certainly more, however in the interest of discretion… Puccini once said, "I am almost always in love!" and our letter vividly illustrates his strength of feeling. Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,750. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,300
Lot 433		Puccini, Giacomo. Autograph Letter Signed ("G. Puccini"). In Italian. One page, large octavo, Viareggio, July 30, 1914. On Villa Motta letterhead. To Bianca Lendvai. Addressed and stamped on verso, minor adhesive residue on verso. Condition is very good to fine. This Puccini letter features excellent content and context, both musical and personal: "I have received your most kind letters and thank you so much for remembering me. I am so pleased to find you so happy on beautiful Margherita Island. Here there are so many Hungarians, and Viareggio is getting bigger and bigger. I am working and happy with the libretto of Willner and Adami. -- The little opera will be finished by spring -- not before…All happy wishes, because you truly deserve them…" The work in question is assuredly La Rondine, which premiered in March 1917. Bianca Lendvai and Puccini had an intense affair a few years before the date of this letter, but the language and tone here indicate they were probably past the torrid period. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $863
Lot 434		Rubinstein, Anton (1829-1894). Russian composer and educator. Wildly popular as one of the premier pianists of the 19th century, today his works are largely neglected. Autograph Musical Quotation Signed ("Ant. Rubinstein") . One page, small quarto, Berlin, February 28, 1879. Some toning at edges, overall condition very good to fine. Seven bars of music are transcribed above Rubinstein's strong signature. Fittingly, Rubinstein has penned the melody line -- as was the case with Lizst, his playing concentrated on character and melody, rather than technique. Rubinstein also compared music notes to hieroglyphics that must be deciphered -- an interesting analogy in our case, as we are unable to identify the work from which this quotation is derived. A poem is inscribed and signed below the musical quotation, so we assume this page came from a collector's album. Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 435		Shostakovich, Dmitry (1906-1975). Russian composer. Widely regarded as the greatest symphonist of the mid 20th century, Shostakovich was condemned twice by the Russian government for his avant-garde works, but finally gained artistic freedom after the death of Stalin. Autograph Envelope Signed ("D. Shostakovich"). One page, octavo, n.p., n.d. In blue ink. Printed with red Communist signature at upper left and red postage stamp at upper right. Postmarked, and cancelled. Torn at right edge from letter removal, with 1½" tear and small loss, both to verso. In fine condition overall. Interestingly, despite the fact that he had been publicly threatened and several of his family members had suffered due to Stalin's "Great Terror", here Shostakovich addresses this envelope to the Concert Music Editorial Office in Moscow -- possibly submitting his work for "official" approval. Estimated Value $350 - 450. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 436		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 ("I Str"). One page, 5½ x 8½", Hollywood, July 14, 1958. To Arnold Weissberger, Stravinsky's attorney and business manager. Signed in red ballpoint pen. Two filing holes at left edge, two very faint vertical creases, stamped "JUL 16 1958" at upper right. In fine condition. This informal business correspondence reads: "Please wait for Vera's decision RE Santa Fe affair. We will tell you about it in 10 days in New York…Leaving Hollywood for New York by train this coming Sunday (evening)." The Stravinskys were on their way to New York to board the Christoforo Colombo for Europe. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details	Unsold
Lot 437		Toscanini, Arturo (1867-1957). Italian conductor, a virtuoso known for the dynamic intensity and detailed phrasing of his interpretations. Signed Photograph ("Arturo Toscanini"). Sepia toned, 7 x 10", n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ink across hand and white cuff. Stamped verso, "Arturo Toscanini / Conductor, N.Y. Philharmonic Orchestra". One minor scuff at black sleeve. Tiny mark at bottom border. Overall in fine condition. A striking ¾ profile with dramatic lighting accenting Toscanini's face and hands. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $518
Lot 438		Two Composers. Lot of two items relating to two prolific composers. 1. Adam, Adolphe (Charles). (1803-1856). Autograph Letter Signed ("Ad. Adam"). Two pages, 5 x 4", n.d., n.p. On personally embossed stationery.To Monsieur de la Pelouza (?). Minor age toning, mailing fold, two small spots. Overall condition very good to fine. 2. D'Albert, Eugen. (1864-1932). Autograph Musical Quotation Signed ("Eugene d'Albert"). One page, quarto, Berlin, January 26, 1883. Penciled notation at right, light soil, otherwise very fine. Adolphe's letter concerns a review and his absence from public life: ".it is because I was in bed three weeks and performed two little operas." Estimated Value $225 - 325. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 439		Verdi, Giuseppe (1813-1901). The leading 19th century Italian composer, Verdi produced operas in which dramatic structure and characterization are uniquely entwined with vocal power. Many of his works are still part of the standard operatic repertoire. Autograph Letter Signed ("G. Verdi"). In Italian. One page, 6 x 3¾", Santa Agata, June 24, 1889. To Commander Giuseppe De Amicis. Nicely framed and matted with a carte de visite to an overall size of 15½ x 18". Accompanied by the hand addressed transmittal envelope with seals on verso stamped with faint "GV" seal. In fine condition, though not examined out of frame. Verdi purchased his secluded estate at Sant' Agata in 1851, in part to escape the censorious eyes of the population of Busseto, where he and his lover Peppina had been living. Through good times and bad (the bad times largely involving his roving eye), Peppina and Verdi remained together until her death in 1897. Our letter discusses the disposition of property in Siena and various business affairs placed in the hands of one of Verdi's oldest friends, the Commander Giuseppe de Amicis of Genoa. Estimated Value $2,250 - 2,750. View details	Unsold
Lot 440		Weil, Kurt (1900-1950). German born composer whose collaboration with Bertolt Brecht resulted in a revolutionary type of opera, based on social satire. Typed Letter Signed ("Kurt"). Two pages, quarto, Los Angeles, n.d. (November or December 1943 by content). To theatrical producer Cheryl Crawford. One hand correction on page two. There are two minor flaws at top: a date erasure and a paper abrasion. Mailing folds are very faint and overall condition is very good to fine. This long, chatty letter to the producer of Weil's new Broadway hit, Touch of Venus, refers to singers, dancers, billing and publicity -- all the things a big-time composer worries about. Weil mentions many of the big names of 1943 Broadway, including Mary Martin, Sono Osato, Agnes de Mille, Moss Hart, Mike Todd and Ira Gershwin. Weil writes: "I cannot quite see how a baritone can do Rodney, but I would have to see him before I can pass any judgment. Everybody out here was appalled that Paula skipped the show the night of Moss' opening. It was a very selfish, unfriendly gesture and a sign of a very bad trooper [sic]. If people out here talked about it, I can imagine what a bad impression it must have made in New York. Gadget (Elia Kazan) has been living with us for a week…As you saw from our wire, we both were quite upset that 2 months after the New York opening of a hit show no posters and Three-sheets were out…I also thought it was a mistake not to give the music a special billing because the score is one of the outstanding success factors of this show,- and nothing whatsoever has been done to exploit this success…'Speak low' [sic] is a big hit out here and is being played all over town. Chappell's have started a big campaign…it should be the most played song on the air after Dec. 4." Closing his letter with the opinion of many transplanted European composers, he adds: "Not much to report from here. The weather is lovely and we swim every day in the pool. But the place is still as dull as always," Weil finishes "'Venus' will be a great piece of property for a long time and will some day make a lot of money as a movie. That's how it looks from here. Lenya sends her love. As ever, Kurt". Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 441		A Symphony of Stars. Twenty-seven pieces. Ideal for fans of the Big Band era, this extensive grouping of musical ephemera includes signed items from the biggest melodic masters of the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Lot includes: Signed Photos of Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Kay Starr, Barbra Streisand, and Lina Cavalieri; a program signed by Hazel Scott; signed cards by Alan Jay Lerner, Liberace, Igor Stravinsky, Gregor Piategorsky, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry James, Jan Peerce, W.C. Handy (with accompanying FDC) and Sophie Tucker; Autograph Notes Signed by Gregor Piategorsky and Sophie Tucker; an Autograph Musical Quote by Meredith Willson; an Autograph Letter Signed by Bing Crosby; FDC signed by Ira Gershwin, and Pablo Casals; another FDC signed by nine music moguls; and Typed Letters Signed by Yehudi Menuhin, Leopold Stokowski, and Bing Crosby. Conditions range from fair to very good. Bidders are strongly encouraged to view this lot. Estimated Value $850 - 1,250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $518
Lot 442		Autograph Musical Quotations Signed. A wonderful ensemble ranging from 1857 to 1988. Composers include: Sigismund Thalberg, Charles Hallé, Mrs. H.H.A. Beach, Paul Creston, Jean de Reszke, Elliot Carter, George Crumb (includes signed 4 x 6" photo), Rafael Kubelik (includes inscribed 4 x 6" photo). In fine condition. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details	Realized $242
Lot 443		Modern Composers. Eight Inscribed Photographs Signed. This unique collection features 8 x 10" black & white glossies of Eubie Blake, Sammy Cahn, Harry James, Guy Lombardo, Arthur Balsam, a 4 x 6" of Rudolf Serkin, and vintage photos of Ted Lewis and Ethel Leginska. A great lot for any fan of classical and popular music. In fine condition. Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details	Unsold
Lot 444		Vintage Autograph Book of Actors and Composers. Here we offer an autograph collection filled with two hundred and thirty-two signatures, autograph letters signed, and autograph musical quotes signed by a range of actors from the stage and screen, as well as notable composers and conductors. Featuring the signatures of Richard Mansfield, Isabel Irving, William S. Gilbert, Otis Skinner, Joe Jefferson, Robert Drouet, William Gilette, Dame Ellen Terry, Helena Modjeske, Tomaso Salvini, Benoit Constant Coquelin, Chauncey Olcott, Walter Damrosch, Lillian Nordica, Nellie Melba, Emma Calve, Marcella Sembrick, John Philip Sousa, Booker T. Washington, and Elbert Hubbard; autograph letters signed by Robert Taber, and Rosina Vokes; autograph notes signed by Sarah Bernhardt and Edwin Booth; and autograph musical quotes signed by Ferruccio Busoni and Victor Herbert among others. Each piece has been tipped into a bound autograph book, albeit sans cover. Conditions of individual pieces range, with toning to a few pieces. Overall, in very good to fine condition. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $748

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