Signed program from the joint performance, New York, 15 May 1977, by the two Broadway legends: the powerful-voiced American actress of stage and film musicals, Ethel Merman, and the beloved American actress and singer, Mary Martin. "Together on Broadway," signed on title-pages. The program, which may be flipped and read from the reverse until mid-point, contains two title-pages, at front and at rear, one listing Merman first, the other listing Martin first (and with commensurate Blackgama "What becomes a Legend most?" fur adverts, featuring each). Merman signed her title-page at upper left, Martin inscribed hers at middle left, in light blue ink: "Happy Birthday / Love / Mary Martin." Includes two ticket stubs and a cardstock menu for the associated Buffet Supper for the "Benefit of the The Theatre and Music Collection of the Museum of the City of New York," including such dishes as "Tramp Steamship Roast with 'South Pacific' Sauce" and "Annie Oakley's Chili - Red, Hot, and Blue"! 4to, printed wrappers, stapled. Very fine.
Signed postcard photograph of the important Russian violinist, the dedicatee of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D and the founder of the Brodsky Quartet. He is shown in a profile portrait and has signed boldly at the foot. Signed photographs of Brodsky are very rare. Surface quite silvered (though much less notable in person than on scan!) and with some text ghosting from another card, otherwise in very good condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (8.5 x 13.6 cm).
Signed photograph of the leading British actor and major silent movie star of late 1920's Hollywood, who starred opposite Marlene Dietrich in Shanghai Express. Brook has signed in blue pencil below the image. On the verso, in another hand: "Clive Brook, July 26, 1948." In very fine condition. 8.8 x 13.9 cm.
22955. [Brooklyn Bridge]. Invitation to the Opening Ceremonies of the Brooklyn Bridge
New York: 24 May 1883. An invitation on thick card engraved by Tiffany & Co., 9 x 6 7/16 in. Engraving to upper portion features boats passing along the East River beneath the new bridge, flanked by two coats of arms. Matted with the embossed flap of the original mailing envelope and nicely presented in a gilt wooden frame. Would benefit from a fresh matting, a few bumps and spots to the card, else fine. Read More...
Lovely vintage "hold-to-the-light" postcard showing a detailed drawing of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges in New York, with various cut outs to allow light to pass through. Postmarks dated January 16 and January 19, 1907. Slight toning throughout and some stray marks, overall in fine condition. 5.5 x 3.5 inches (14 x 8.9 cm.).
London: Cassell & Company. 1955. First Edition. Rare signed volume from the American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist who was one of the key figures in the development of blues music in the 20th century; he became an international star in the 1950s when he returned to his traditional folk-blues roots and became one of the leading figures of the emerging American folk music revival. Hardcover, 5.25 x 8.75, 139 pages. Signed on the frontispiece in blue felt tip, "Best wishes, from, Big Bill Broonzy." In fine condition.
Framed gouache portrait on Raffaello Fabriano paper depicting Paolo, an intimate friend of Brown's in the late 50's and early 60's. Signed lower left, "Carlyle Brown, '62". Good with minor wear to frame. Sight 18 x 25 inches (45.7 x 63.5 cm.), framed to 26.5 x 33.75 inches (67.3 x 85.7 cm.). Authenticated by the Carlyle Brown Archive in Italy. Read More...
An original sweat towel printed with an image of the Godfather of Soul and the name of his legendary song "Cold Sweat," and signed and inscribed by Brown in pink marker! He has inscribed the towel to a young fan with the words "Soul #1" and "Stay in school." 12 x 12 inches. In fine condition. Read More...
Framed proclamation from the Office of the President of the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York proclaiming Oct. 17, 1987 "James Brown Day", beginning, "Whereas: James Brown ranks among the world's most outstanding singers, the magic of his unique and innovative sound electrifying audiences from London, England to Atlanta, Georgia." Document, issued during the "I Love New York" Festival and signed by Borough President David Dinkins, bears embossed foil seal of the President of the Borough of Manhattan. Scattered aging and spotting, else fine. 10.75 x 17 inches (27 x 43 cm.) Read More...
Signed doubleweight photograph of the American actor and comedian, who has inscribed to David Bines, the longtime lighting designer at the Palace Theatre. "To Dave– / in appreciation and my very best wishes, / Joe E. Brown / 11/9/39." "M. C. Levee / 1300 Crescent Hgts Blvd. / Hollywood" in pencil to verso. M. C. Levee was a studio executive and agent, and may have represented Brown for a time. Pinholes to corners, else in fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...
Uncommon signed Louis Greenfield photograph of the American dancer and choreographer, an influential figure in postmodern dance and one of the founders of the judson Dance Theater, who has inscribed "to Paul / Trisha Brown." Label to verso, in very fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...
Signed program from a February 1960 concert of the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, with pianist John Browning and mezzo-soprano Jennie Tourel, who stepped in for baritone Gerard Souzay in Mahler's Kindertotenlieder. Browning has signed over the first page of the program listing, and Tourel has signed over the listing of the Mahler work, striking through Souzay's name. Some light toning, but in fine condition overall, together with two booklets of program notes and a newspaper clipping about the concert. 23 pp. 7.25 x 9.75 inches (18.6 x 24.8 cm).
Signed promotional photograph of the influential jazz pianist and composer, shown at the keyboard, who has signed his name to the lower margin. In fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.).
Autograph letter signed to "Concertmeister" Carl Halir (originally, Karel Halíř) of "Weimar". Breslau [now Wrocław, Poland], September, 25, 1888. In German. 3 pp. of bifolium. Envelope signed additionally on the verso, "M. Bruch." The intriguing letter is a response to a list of works that Halir had suggested to Bruch, then music director in Breslau, for his upcoming appearance as a soloist. In full: "Many thanks for your welcome programming suggestions. Brahms has been played by De Ahna and Joachim here and must rest for a while. Joachim will play Beethoven here with us this year on November 20. Tchaikovsky is not particularly welcome here. My Concerto no. 1 (G minor) has been played too often, my No. 2 and No. 3 (Scottish) has been played by Sarasate multiple times. Thus, we should maybe focus on the Lassen concerto. I will take a look at it and write you more later. / I think that my Romanza was last heard in 1886. I would be pleased to hear it from you." 7 x 4.5 inches (17.6x11.1 cm). Read More...
ALS of the German composer and conductor to the Hungarian violinist in Berlin. Dated Friedenau [now Berlin], February 25, 1897. In German. 1 p. (postcard). In full, translated: "Dear Joachim, a young, highly talented Belgian violinist, Mlle. Sylva from Brussels, whom I heard play on the Rhine in the summer, has sent me an inquiry that I cannot answer without having consulted you first. If it is convenient for you, I will visit you on Saturday morning around 9:45. If you have to leave before that hour, please send me a word. Cordially yours, M. Bruch." Read More...
Scarce signed Russian program printed in Cyrillic from a 1953 recital by the marvelous French pianist, a student of Philipp, Sauer, Cortot and Koczalski whose sensational career was tragically cut short after a car accident in which she suffered a fracture of the skull, lateral paralysis and an irreversible injury to her right hand. Horizontal crease, indentations along the left edge, else fine.
Large format silver print photograph, ca. mid-1960s, of the beloved French pianist performing with an ensemble, signed to lower right by the great Czech photographer known especially for his many fine portraits of performing artists. A few light abrasions to surface, overall in very fine condition. 19.25 x 15.5 inches (48.9 x 34.4 cm.). Read More...
Striking original photograph, ca. 1930, from the American photographer best-known for his experimental multiple-exposure and abstract photographs. The photograph shows a scene from a jazz revue, with figures posing provocatively around a large piece of scenery depicting a face with horns. Gelatin silver print with studio stamp to the verso. One small loss to the lower right corner; some light edge wear and silvering around the edges; overall fine. 10 x 12.75 inches (25.2 x 32.7 cm). Provenance: The Collection of Ileana Sonnabend, thence by descent. Read More...
Signed original John Lindquist photograph of the Danish dancer and choreographer at Jacob's Pillow. Photographer's stamp to verso. In fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.4 cm.). Read More...
Autograph letter from the important French critic and composer, known for his realist operas, ballets, and symphonies. Paris, July 2, 1924. Bruneau writes: "I will make every effort to go to the conservatory on Friday, but I do not yet know if I will find the time, because I am leaving Paris the next day..." 1 p. of a bifolium. In very fine condition. 4 x 5.25 inches (10.5 x 13.5 cm).