VERDI WRITES TO MARIA WALDMANN WHO APPEARED IN HIS FIRST PRODUCTION OF AIDA IN MILAN GIUSEPPE VERDI. ALS: "G. Verdi", 1p, 4½x3½. Sant'Agate, 1889 November 18. To his close friend, Maria Massari Waldmann.In Italian, partially translated. In part: "Thank you, my dear Maria, and thanks to your kind Duke for the affectionate remembrance...Greetings to the Duke and a warm handshake...." On February 8, 1872, mezzo-soprano MARIA MASSARI WALDMANN starred as Amneris in the Milan premiere of Aida under Verdi's direction. At the time of this letter, Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) spent part of the year at the Villa Verdi at St. Agata diBusseto, close to his birthplace in Le Roncole, and part in Genoa in an apartment in the Palazzo Doria. Inscription on verso of Verdi's letter, in Italian: "To my dear/friend Margherita/from/Maria Massari/Zavaglia/Ferrara, 22-1-905". There is a collection of nearly 100 letters from Verdi to Waldmann in La Biblioteca del Conservatorio "G.B. Martini" in Bologna, Italy. Lightly stained. Overall, fine condition.
GEORGE GERSHWIN This framed letter that features the composer's autograph shows his interest in new phonograph recording technology Typed Letter Signed, "George Gershwin". 8¼x10½. One page. Dated September 14, 1931. On his personal letterhead. Gershwin writes to a representative of R.C.A. which was the parent company of N.B.C. (created in 1926 to broadcast on radio) and Victor Labs (acquired in 1929 which built phonographs.). The conglomerate was able to remain at the forefront of early broadcasting technology for many years due to the unique merging of technologies. Gershwin's association with R.C.A. was a long and fruitful venture. It was R.C.A. that recorded "An American in Paris", which was used in the 1951 musical film of the same name. Gershwin's letter in full: " My dear Mr. Clark: I received your invitation to dinner at the Savoy-Plaza on September seventeenth. I am tremendously interested in hearing the new development in phonograph recording, which you will probably demonstrate account of a previous engagement which I have for that evening.
TAX DOCUMENT REVEALS THAT GEORGE GERSHWIN GOT 60% AND IRA GERSHWIN RECEIVED 40% FROM THEIR COLLABORATIONS GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN. Carbon Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin" and "Ira Gershwin", 1p, 8½x13. Los Angeles, California, 1936 September 30. In part:"GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN each, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: That he is one of the parties to the written agreement dated July 29, 1936, executed by and between RKO STUDIOS, INC. and GEORGE GERSHWIN and IRA GERSHWIN, under the terms and conditions of which the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin are employed by the said RKO Studios, Inc. and under the terms and conditions of which thecompensation payable to the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin is paid to them jointly, without any allocation between them. That under the terms and conditions of an agreement existing between the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin all compensation received by them 
ANTONIN DVORAK A signed autograph note on a postcard giving instructions to a music publisher in London. Addressed in his hand and mailed from Prague in 1892. Both sides of the postcard can be viewed in the frame! Autograph Note Signed with two musical quotes: "A. Dvorak" in English, 5½x3¾. On verso of stamped postcard addressed by Dvorak to: "Novello & Ewer/ 1 Berners Street/London", postmarked Prague, March 24, 1892. In full: "I have no objection to it, when the two bars notes the Viola [c note] page 291. 207 are to be omitted and given to the Cello [two bars, two notes]". Czech composer Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) isbest known for his symphony in E minor, From the New World,composed in 1893. He is also noted for success in adapting folk music to serious romantic music. Dvorak was the Director of The National Conservatory of Music from 1892-1895. Note side is soiled, worn torn edges (all intact). Corners torn away affecting some writing and 1 musical quote. Address side is soiled and worn, edge flaws are framed over. Light stains.
GEORGE GERSHWIN Gershwin signs a program for a performance only six months before his death that is titled "Special Detroit Symphony Concert". Program signed: "Good wishes/George Gershwin", 1p, 5x8. Detroit, 1937 January 20. Headed: "Special Detroit Symphony Concert".George Gershwin (1898-1937) signed this program for a concert in Detroit performed only six months before his death. The concert, featuring Gershwin on the piano and conducting, featured some of his best work, including Rhapsody in Blue. Also featured were selections from the folk opera Porgy and Bess. The Detroit concert was well-received, and Gershwin was invited to perform the next season. After the concert, Gershwin returned to Beverly Hills, where he was working on Fred Astaire's movie, A Damsel in Distress and preparing for a concert in Los Angeles on February 10th and 11th. On July 11, 1937, Gershwin died of a brain tumor, he was only 38. Stray ink marks. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 28¼ x 16¾. 
GIOACCHINO ROSSINI Gioacchino Rossini sends an autograph letter in Italian to send an article. Autograph Letter Signed: "Rossini" in Italian, 1p, 4¼ x 5½. No place, no date. To Severini. In full: "Please send, within today, the portion of the opera La Fata Bianca [The White Fairy] which has the tenor's role, to Mr. Curioni. All is well." Curioni was the Italian tenor, Alberico Curioni.By the time he was 18, Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868) had written his first opera. The Italian composer is best known for his comic opera, The Barber of Seville, and his grand opera, William Tell, with its famous overture. The "Overture" to the four-act William Tell became one of the most familiar of all operatic works when it was used to open the radio and television show, The Lone Ranger. Guillame Tell was first performed in Paris in 1829. The Italian composer, the leading representative of the Bel Canto School of Opera and one of the last masters of opera buffa, spent his later years in Paris and his native Italy. Lightly stained, lightly creased, with folds. Light ink transfer from a different letter. Ink smudging present on some letters.
FOR THE VICTOR TALKING MACHINE COMPANY'S RECORDING OF HIS 1929 PERFORMANCE OF AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, GERSHWIN RECEIVES ROYALTIES OF ONE CENT PER RECORD SOLD! GEORGE GERSHWIN. Typed Document Signed: "George Gershwin", 1p, 8x10. No place, 1929 November 1.Headed:"Victor Talking Machine Company/Statement of Royalty Due on Selections by/George Gershwin". The statement is titled: "Sold by the Victor Talking Machine Company for period ending Sept. 30, 1929". Two different records were sold: An American in Paris - Parts 1 and 2 (8331 copies), $83.31 royalty and An American in Paris - Parts 3 and 4 (8327 copies), $83.27 royalty. Total: $166.58 royalty. Gershwin was paid royalties of a penny per copy! He has signed beneath this statement: "I accept the above statement of my royalty account for records of my performance in accordance with my contract dated March 13, 1929 and acknowledge the receipt of the amount for the period shown on said statement in full and final settlement of said account." An American in Paris, inspired by Gershwin's time spent in the French capital, was a groundbreaking symphonic Opera | Checks
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LUIGI ALVA - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 01/04/1965 - HFSID 297077LUIGI ALVA The famed tenor endorses a $590.89 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, in blue ink Paycheck endorsed: "Luigi Alva" in blue ink. 6x3½. New York, N.Y. January 4, 1965.Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUIGI ALVA - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 01/27/1965 - HFSID 296912LUIGI ALVA The famed tenor endorses a $1,507.50 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, in black ink Paycheck Endorsed: "Luigi Alva" in black ink. 6x3½. New York, N.Y. January 27, 1965.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUIGI ALVA - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 05/11/1964 - HFSID 297362LUIGI ALVA The famed tenor endorses a $699.70 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, in blue ink Paycheck endorsed: "Luigi Alva" in blue ink. 7x3¾. New York, New York. May 11, 1964. Check No.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUCINE AMARA - CHECK ENDORSED 03/13/1954 CO-SIGNED BY: MAX RUDOLF - HFSID 297363LUCINE AMARA and MAX RUDOLF She endorses a $204.60 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, signed by conductor Rudolf Check signed "Max Rudolf", endorsed: "Lucine Amara", 7x3½. New York, New York, 1954 March 3. Check No. 1-74/210, on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LUCINE AMARA - CHECK ENDORSED 06/23/1969 - HFSID 297494LUCINE AMARA She endorses a $685.17 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check endorsed: "Lucine Amara", 8x3½. New York, New York, 1969 June 23. Check No. 100559, on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc., at The Chase Manhattan Bank, payable to Amara for $685.17.
Sale Price $144.00
$160.00
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LUCINE AMARA - CHECK ENDORSED 12/10/1954 CO-SIGNED BY: MAX RUDOLF - HFSID 298102LUCINE AMARA and MAX RUDOLF She endorses a $292.60 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association, signed by Rudolf Check signed "Max Rudolf", endorsed: "Lucine Amara", 7x3½. New York, New York, 1954 December 10. Check drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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CESARE BARDELLI - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 03/17/1966 - HFSID 296913CESARE BARDELLI He endorses a $300 paycheck from the Metropolitan Opera Association Paycheck endorsed: "Cesare Bardelli", 7½x3¾. New York, N. Y. 1966 March 16.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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INGRID BJONER - CHECK ENDORSED 12/14/1962 - HFSID 297080INGRID BJONER She endorses a $2,250 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association. Check endorsed: "Ingrid Bjoner", 6x3½. There is a second (illegible) endorsement. New York, N.Y., 1962 December 14. Check #11867, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc.
Sale Price $180.00
$200.00
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LUCREZIA BORI - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 05/12/1933 - HFSID 250694LUCREZIA BORI She signs this check to pay Farran Zerbe for one cent! Check Signed: "Lucrezia Bori," 6¼x3¾. New York, 1933 May 12. Drawn on The National City Bank of New York, payable to "Farran Zerbe" for one cent. Never cashed.
Sale Price $414.00
$460.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 03/26/1964 - HFSID 297367ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses a $6,622.50 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 6x3½. New York, New York, 1964 May 26. Check No. 19993, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at the Bank of New York, payable to Colzani for $6,622.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 05/25/1964 - HFSID 296918ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses a $100 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 7½x3¾. New York, N.Y., 1964 May 25. Check #54326, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at the Chase Manhattan Bank, payable to Anselmo Colzani for $100.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 05/28/1965 - HFSID 297510ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses a $7,540.71 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 6x3½. New York, New York, 1965 May 28. Check No. 25550, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at The Bank of New York, payable to Colzani for $7,540.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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ANSELMO COLZANI - CHECK ENDORSED 12/06/1965 - HFSID 297085ANSELMO COLZANI He endorses an $856.50 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Anselmo Colzani", 7½x3¾. New York, N.Y., 1965 December 9. Check #42597, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at the Chase Manhattan Bank, payable to Anselmo Colzani for $856.50.
Sale Price $108.00
$120.00
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NADINE CONNER - CHECK ENDORSED 03/20/1942 - HFSID 297086NADINE CONNER She endorses a $75 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association. Tour Account check #19! Check Endorsed: "Nadine Conner", 8½x3½. New York, N.Y., 1942 March 20.
Sale Price $162.00
$180.00
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RICHARD CROOKS - CHECK ENDORSED 10/31/1941 - HFSID 83278RICHARD CROOKS The American Tenor endorses this check for $1,500 Check endorsed: "For deposit/Richard Crooks", 8¼x3. White Plains, New York, 1941 October 31. Check No. 4846, drawn on the
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LISA DELLA CASA - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 04/24/1964 - HFSID 297090LISA DELLA CASA Metropolitan Opera payroll check for $32.00 Paycheck Endorsed: "Lisa Della Casa", 7¼x3¾. New York, N.Y., 1964 April 24. Check #50874, drawn on the payroll account of the Metropolitan Opera Association at the Chase Manhattan Bank, payable to L.
Sale Price $144.00
$160.00
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GEORGE GERSHWIN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 02/12/1934 - HFSID 167082GEORGE GERSHWIN George Gershwin signs a check to pay Paul Muller $50.00. Partly Printed Check signed: "George Gershwin", 6½x2¾. New York, 1934 February 12. Drawn on his account at The National City Bank of New York, payable to Paul Muller for $50.
Sale Price $2,040.00
$2,400.00
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GEORGE GERSHWIN - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 03/14/1932 CO-SIGNED BY: ROSE GERSHWIN, MORRIS GERSHWIN - HFSID 157749GEORGE GERSHWIN & HIS PARENTS SIGN AND ENDORSE A CHECK! GEORGE GERSHWIN. Partly Printed Check signed: "George Gershwin", 6½x2½. New York, 1932 March 14. Drawn on his personal account at The National City Bank of New York made payable to his mother, Rose Gershwin, for $108.75.
Sale Price $1,912.50
$2,250.00
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EDWARD P. JOHNSON - CHECK ENDORSED 10/29/1930 - HFSID 67875EDWARD JOHNSON. Check endorsed: "Edward/Johnson", 8½x3. New York City, 1930 October 29. Check No. 14955, drawn on the account of the Metropolitan Music Bureau at the Harriman National Bank and Trust Company of the City of New York, payable to Johnwon for $154.14. Signed and filled in by unknown signer.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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LILY PONS - PAYCHECK ENDORSED 03/26/1931 - HFSID 67874LILY PONS The soprano endorses a paycheck for $1,000.00 from the Metropolitan Musical Bureau, Inc. Paycheck endorsed: "Lily Pons", in black ink, on verso, 8¼x3. New York, New York, 1931 March 26.
Sale Price $432.00
$480.00
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SIGMUND ROMBERG - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 11/29/1919 - HFSID 253112SIGMUND ROMBERG Sigmund Romberg signs a check for $100.00 to pay Schultz Electric Company. Partly Printed Check signed: "S. Romberg", 8¼x3¼. New York, 1919 November 29. Drawn on the Wilner-Romberg Corp.
Sale Price $405.00
$450.00
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SIGMUND ROMBERG - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 12/13/1919 CO-SIGNED BY: MAX R. WILNER, ALBERT EDWARD ANSON - HFSID 317630SIGMUND ROMBERG, MAX R. WILNER and ALBERT EDWARD ANSON Romberg and his partner, producer Max R. Wilner, sign a $186 check to English actor A. E. Anson, who endorses it. Check signed: "S Romberg", "Max R. Wilner", 8½x3¼. New York, N. Y., 1919 December 13.
Sale Price $405.00
$450.00
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SIGMUND ROMBERG - CHECK SIGNED & ENDORSED 09/27/1919 - HFSID 253412SIGMUND ROMBERG Sigmund Romberg signs and endorses a check for $15.00. Partly Printed Check signed and endorsed: "S. Romberg" and on verso "S. Romberg", 8¼x3¼. New York, 1919 September 27. Drawn on the Wilner-Romberg Corp.
Sale Price $360.00
$400.00
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NED ROMERO - CHECK ENDORSED 08/28/1969 - HFSID 38986NED ROMERO The I Will Fight No More Forever actor endorses check for $400.00 in blue ink Check endorsed: "For deposit/ only/ Ned Romero" in blue ink. 8½x3½ check from the Los Angeles AFTRA Federal Credit Union dated August 28, 1969 in Hollywood, California for $400.00. American actor and opera singer Ned Romero (b.
Sale Price $198.00
$220.00
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GIULIETTA FRUGONI SIMIONATO - CHECK ENDORSED 11/30/1962 - HFSID 296945GIULIETTA FRUGONI SIMIONATO She endorses a $4,371.00 check from the Metropolitan Opera Association Check Endorsed: "Giulietta Simionato", 6x3½. New York, New York, 1962 November 30. Check No. 11619, drawn on Metorolitan Opera Association Inc.
Sale Price $162.00
$180.00
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CLIFTON WEBB - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 05/20/1922 - HFSID 296231CLIFTON WEBB Webb sends this check for £17 to Hawes and Curtis the British clothing brand! Check signed: "Clifton Webb", 7x3¼. London, England. May 20, 1922. Check no. 737, for £17, made out to Havens and Curtis. Lloyds Bank Limited. 39, Old Bonds Street, W.1.
Sale Price $306.00
$340.00
