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Sell or Auction Your Claude Debussy Autograph Letter Signed for up to $3,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions

FREE VALUATION. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Claude Debussy autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Claude Debussy Autograph Letter Signed

(Achille) Claude Debussy (French: [aʃil klod dəbysi]; 22 August 1862 – 25 March 1918) was a French composer. He is sometimes seen as the first Impressionist composer, although he vigorously rejected the term. He was among the most influential composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Debussy’s orchestral works include Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (1894), Nocturnes (1897–1899) and Images (1905–1912). His music was to a considerable extent a reaction against Wagner and the German musical tradition. He regarded the classical symphony as obsolete and sought an alternative in his “symphonic sketches”, La mer (1903–1905). His piano works include two books of Préludes and one of Études. Throughout his career he wrote mélodies based on a wide variety of poetry, including his own. He was greatly influenced by the Symbolist poetic movement of the later 19th century. A small number of works, including the early La Damoiselle élue and the late Le Martyre de saint Sébastien have important parts for chorus. In his final years, he focused on chamber music, completing three of six planned sonatas for different combinations of instruments.

Below is a recent realized price for a Claude Debussy autograph letter signed item. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:

Claude Debussy Autograph Letter Signed. Sold for $3,000.

head and shoulders photograph of middle-aged, white, dark-haired, bearded man
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Here is a Claude Debussy signed letter we have sold in the past:

Claude Debussy Autograph Letter Signed to Paul Vidal

Rare autograph letter signed by French composer Claude Debussy, who writes to his friend, composer and conductor Paul Vidal. Upon his personal stationery embossed with his home address of “80 Avenue Du Bois De Boulogne”, Debussy’s letter in French translates, “December 13, 1910 / Dear friend, I will expect you tomorrow, Wednesday, at 5:30 / looking forward to seeing you, with my warmest regards / Claude Debussy”. Stationery folds to create envelope, postmarked on verso with Vidal’s name and address. Page measures 4.25″ x 5.5″. Light wear, else near fine. Sold for $1,472.

Claude Debussy autograph letter signed
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Nate D. Sanders Auctions has also sold the following similar items:

Exceptionally Rare John Lennon Personally Owned & Played Musical Instrument — Reed Organ Made of Walnut in Dark Finish — With Provenance From Sotheby’s

Coveted instrument personally owned and played by music legend and 1960’s cultural icon John Lennon. The first time Lennon played an instrument with a keyboard on a record was for his collaboration with McCartney on 1965’s ”I’m Down”, from the B-side to Beatles single ”Help!” Mason and Hamlin brand reed organ, or pump organ, is made of walnut wood and features a dark cherry finish. Accompanied by a slip inscribed, ”Love to Julie / From John Lennon / xxxx” in red ink. Rubber lining on pedals has been replaced. Near fine. A Steinway brand piano of Lennon’s sold at Sotheby’s in 2000 for $2.1 million. Replaced rubber on the foot pedals, else near fine. With provenance from Sotheby’s including original catalog and house-issued certificate of ownership signed by Yoko Ono. Sold for $74,535.

Josef Hoffman signed photo
Exceptionally Rare John Lennon Personally Owned & Played Musical Instrument. Click to enlarge.

Scarce Signature by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — With PSA/DNA COA

Scarce signature by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with his strong paraph accentuating his signature, ”Mozart”. Clipped signature is likely from an autograph letter signed, as the closing word is also in Mozart’s hand. Although Mozart was a prolific composer, his signature is scarce, with a two-line autograph note also signed ”Mozart” selling for over $200,000 in 2015. Signed slip measures 3” x 1.125”. Hinged at right edge to larger sip of paper. In very good condition, with a bold signature by the great composer. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $31,394.

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Josef Hoffman signed photo
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1826 First Printing of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony — Complete Score — Incredibly Scarce

First printing of the Complete Score of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony in C minor, by Ludwig van Beethoven. “Cinquieme Sinfonie en ut mineur: C Moll de Louis van Beethoven. Oeuvre 67 Partition.” Leipzig: Breitkopf & Hartel: March 1826. Octavo book runs 182 pages and measures 6.75″ x 10.75″ inches. In original printed wrappers with edges untrimmed. Front wrapper has been restored with adhesive tape along the bottom and fore-edge. A near fine copy housed in a modern clamshell case. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor is possibly the most recognized work of classical music ever written. Its dramatic four-note opening is known worldwide and remains rooted in popular culture. The symphony was written over a four year period commencing in 1804 and first performed in Vienna in 1808. Though the first printed edition appeared in 1809, it is believed that this edition is the first printing of the complete score, comprising all four movements. This is a remarkably well-preserved copy of this important and historic work. Incredibly scarce copy rarely seen at auction. Sold for $12,000.

Claude Debussy autograph letter signed
1826 First Printing of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Click image to enlarge.

Richard Strauss Signed & Handwritten Musical Manuscript

Richard Georg Strauss (11 June 1864 – 8 September 1949) was a German composer, conductor, pianist, and violinist. Considered a leading composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras, he has been described as a successor of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt. Along with Gustav Mahler, he represents the late flowering of German Romanticism, in which pioneering subtleties of orchestration are combined with an advanced harmonic style.

Richard Strauss autograph manuscript signed for the final scene in his 1935 opera “Die schweigsame Frau” (“The Silent Woman”), a comedic opera written with librettist Stefan Zweig. Written on three 10.5″ x 14″ pages of bifolium manuscript, Strauss signs “Richard Strauss” at the top of the first page, where he also writes “Schwanengesang” (“Swan Song”). Sold for $10,500.

Clara Schumann signed cabinet photo
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1935 Limited Edition Signed “Porgy & Bess”

Signed and numbered limited edition of George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess: An Opera in Three Acts.” Composed by George Gershwin; Libretto by Dubose Heyward; Lyrics by Dubose Heyward and Ira Gershwin; Directed by Rouben Mamoulian. Random House; New York; 1935. Number 214 of 250 limited edition copies printed in October 1935 and boldly signed in black ink to limitation page by George Gershwin, Dubose Heyward, Ira Gershwin and Rouben Mamoulian. Bound in full red leather with black leather labels and accompanied by original slipcase. 559pp. with full color frontis and title page illustrations. Minor overall wear and foxing. Chips to black leather labels on backstrip and some separation to slipcase. Signatures remain bold and clear. A scarce signed copy of this classic American folk opera in excellent condition. Sold for $5,372.

Josef Hoffman signed photo
1935 Limited Edition Signed “Porgy & Bess”. Click to enlarge.
Sergei Rachmaninoff Signed Photo
1935 Limited Edition Signed “Porgy & Bess”. Click to enlarge.

Albert Einstein Signed Letter of Recommendation for Composer Walter Kaufmann

Rare Albert Einstein signed letter of recommendation for Walter Kaufmann, classical music scholar and composer of ”The Scarlet Letter”. Dated 23 January 1938 on Princeton stationery, Einstein writes in German, translated, ”Mr. Walter Kaufmann of Prague, currently in Bombay (India), has been known to me for years as an inventive and gifted musician. He has already written many compositions, he is an authority on Eastern music, and he has had extensive experience as a teacher as well. With his youthful energy and likeable nature, he would be eminently suited for the position of director of choirs and orchestras in schools or universities. [signed] A. Einstein / Professor Albert Einstein…” Letter measures 8” x 10”. Folds, else near fine condition. Sold for $5,035.

Claude Debussy autograph letter signed
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Maurice Ravel Signed and Handwritten Musical Quotation for ”Valses Nobles et Sentimentales”

Maurice Ravel autograph musical quotation signed, with Ravel handwriting five bars from his waltz, Valses Nobles et Sentimentales V, Presque lent – dans un sentiment intime. Signed and dated ”Maurice Ravel” from St. Cloud, France on 28 September 1919. Document measures 9.375” x 3”, framed with a photo of Ravel at his piano to a size of 14.25” x 17.25”. Single fold and light uniform toning, overall in very good plus condition. Sold for $4,000.

Josef Hoffman signed photo
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Irving Berlin Original Artwork & Autograph Musical Quotation Signed — From His Most Famous Song of All Time, ”White Christmas” — With an Additional 1973 Typed Letter Signed

Irving Berlin original artwork painted around a ”White Christmas” autograph musical quotation signed, dated 1973. The song was penned in 1940 by Berlin and was first heard publicly on Christmas Day of 1941, as Bing Crosby performed the tune sending it to the top of the charts. In 1942, it was then featured in the musical ”Holiday Inn”, winning Berlin an Academy Award for Best Music in an Original Song. Also a prolific painter, here Berlin encapsulates a line of tune from ”White Christmas” with a red rose painted against a black background in acrylic paint. Beneath the rose, Berlin writes five bars and lyrics from the song reading, ”and may all your Christmases be white.” Signed and inscribed ”For Gerald Wagner [musical notes] Irving Berlin / 1973”. Artwork measures 5.75” x 5”, framed and matted to an overall size of 7” x 6”. With a related typed letter signed to Wagner on Berlin’s personal letterhead, dated 30 March 1973, reading in full: ”Dear Gerry: This is a ‘do it yourself’ Christmas card but I couldn’t wait until Christmas, so here it is and I hope you like it. Again, many thanks for helping me with a situation that worried me a great deal.” Signed ”Irving” in blue ink. One page letter measures 7.25” x 10.5” with three light folds, else near fine overall. A rare and exceptional piece. Recently sold for $6,572.50 as lot 34376 in Heritage’s 11 April 2013 sale. Sold for $3,750.

Sergei Rachmaninoff Signed Photo
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George Gershwin Signed Book Inscribed

Extremely rare George Gershwin inscribed biography. “George Gershwin” by Issac Goldberg. Inscribed in ink to front free endpaper: “For Robert Garland / A Baltimore boy who made good in the big city. / With Admiration, / George Gershwin / Sept, 29,1931…” Gershwin adds handwritten music to his inscription from his 2nd Rhapsody. Excellent condition. Sold for $3,546.

Clara Schumann signed cabinet photo
George Gershwin Signed Book Inscribed. Click to enlarge.
Josef Hoffman signed photo
George Gershwin Book Inscription. Click to enlarge.

Albert Einstein Letter Signed to His Friend, Composer Walter Kaufmann — ”…I shall always be happy to give you another similar recommendation…”

Albert Einstein letter signed to composer Walter Kaufmann. From his summer home in Caputh, Germany, Einstein writes on his personal letterhead in German on 1 June 1931, ”Dear Mr. Kaufmann! / I hope it will help. However, the conditions are not quite so favorable: 1). because Mr. Lammle is more or less angry at me, and 2.) because Mr. Lammle’s company is said to not be doing so well. Whenever you would like to try something like this again, I shall always be happy to give you another similar recommendation. You may also use me as reference. / Kind regards, / Yours / [signed] A. Einstein”. This letter follows an earlier one where Einstein offered to write a letter of recommendation for Kaufmann. Letter measures 8.75” x 11”. Pinhole at intersecting folds and slight separation at ends, overall very good condition. Sold for $3,125.

Claude Debussy autograph letter signed
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Rare George Gershwin at the Piano 10” x 8” Signed and Inscribed Photo

George Gershwin signed and inscribed photo, featuring a classic shot of the young composer at his piano. Signed in fountain pen on the photographic surface beneath the image, ”To Mrs. N.B. Putnam – All my good wishes, George Gershwin”. Photo measures 10” x 8” and is in very good condition with a somewhat faded, but still very legible signature. George Gershwin died at the age of 38 in 1938, making signed material by him difficult to obtain. Sold for $2,384.

Sergei Rachmaninoff Signed Photo
Rare George Gershwin at the Piano. Click to enlarge.

Claude Debussy Autograph Letter Signed to Paul Vidal

Rare autograph letter signed by French composer Claude Debussy, who writes to his friend, composer and conductor Paul Vidal. Upon his personal stationery embossed with his home address of “80 Avenue Du Bois De Boulogne”, Debussy’s letter in French translates, “December 13, 1910 / Dear friend, I will expect you tomorrow, Wednesday, at 5:30 / looking forward to seeing you, with my warmest regards / Claude Debussy”. Stationery folds to create envelope, postmarked on verso with Vidal’s name and address. Page measures 4.25″ x 5.5″. Light wear, else near fine. Sold for $1,472.

 Leo Delibes Autograph Musical Quotation
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Giacomo Puccini Tosca Autograph Music Quotation Signed

Tosca is an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It premiered at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome on 14 January 1900. The work, based on Victorien Sardou’s 1887 French-language dramatic play, La Tosca, is a melodramatic piece set in Rome in June 1800, with the Kingdom of Naples’s control of Rome threatened by Napoleon’s invasion of Italy. It contains depictions of torture, murder, and suicide, as well as some of Puccini’s best-known lyrical arias.

Large autograph musical quotation signed by operatic composer Giacomo Puccini for his masterpiece “Tosca”, his most famous work alongside “La Boheme” and “Madama Butterfly”. Done entirely in Puccini’s hand, the composer writes “Tosca” above its stanza, signed “Giacomo Puccini / Torre del Lago / 11-7-901″. He dedicates the piece to a Bianca. Measures 4.5″ x 7”. Uniform toning, otherwise near fine condition. Sold for $1,450.

Clara Schumann signed cabinet photo
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Extraordinary Leonard Bernstein Signed Musical Quotation From West Side Story

Extraordinary Leonard Bernstein signed musical quotation from West Side Story. Acclaimed composer, Leonard Bernstein musical quotation inscribed in red ink, “To Alexander…Leonard Bernstein” Measures 9.25″ x 4.25″. Excellent condition. Sold for $1,350.

Claude Debussy autograph letter signed
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Franz Liszt Autograph Letter Signed Mentioning Lieder

Franz Liszt autograph letter signed, in which the composer and conductor mentions his famous “Lieder” musical works. Undated letter in French to an unnamed recipient translates in full, “In the interests of rest and approval from others, I generally advise them very explicitly not to take an interest in my music; but since you are assuring me that my Lieder will contribute to your peace and that your young prima donna will find them pleasant, I am sending them to you without any further scruples, with my most cordial regards. / F. Liszt”. Letter on bifolium Canson stationery measures 4″ x 5.25″ as folded. Uniform toning, and chips on verso from previous mount, else near fine condition. Sold for $1,181.

Josef Hoffman signed photo
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Extremely Rare Elton John ’78 Autograph Letter Signed

Sir Elton Hercules John CH CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including seven number ones in the UK and nine in the US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single “Candle in the Wind 1997”, rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling chart single of all time. He has also produced records and occasionally acted in films.

Elton John autograph letter signed, dated 21 November 1978 on “Watford Football Club” stationery. Letter discusses his new song, “Song for Guy” and reads in part: “Dear Paul, Thanks for the letter about ‘Song for Guy.’ He [Guy Burchett] was a smashing little bloke and I’m glad the song turned out so well. It’s being issued as a single in 10 days time – by public demand!…If it’s a hit it’ll be great to see Guy take his place in a little bit of chart history…All the best Elton”. With some minor toning and foxing in spots. Very good. Sold for $1,072.

Elton John signed letter
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Rare Letter Signed by Pianist Glenn Gould

Glenn Gould typed letter signed, a rare missive by the celebrated Canadian pianist. Dated 20 July 1976 on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation letterhead, Gould writes to Patricia Wardrop of the Ontario Arts Council, in part, ”…you would like some details on my activities as a radio producer and I enclose herewith a list of major productions

    beginning with the several version of ‘The Idea of North’. Needless to say, this list does not include programs for which I have served in other capacities…and I have also chosen to exclude such relatively informal ‘conversational-series’ as the 10-week ‘Music of Arnold Schonberg’ (1974) or a 21-week glorified discography entitled ‘The Art of Glenn Gould’ (1969). It seemed to me that only programs which, in some way, attempted an assault on conventional radiophonic barriers deserved to be represented and I hope you will agree with the relative exclusivity of this approach…[signed] Glenn Gould”. Letter is accompanied by a copy of the letter draft handwritten by Gould. Letter measures 8.5” x 11”, stapled at top left to the referenced list. Folds and light creasing, overall near fine condition. Sold for $1,031.

    Claude Debussy autograph letter signed
    Rare Letter Signed by Pianist Glenn Gould. Click to enlarge.

    Sheldon Harnick Autograph Musical Quotation Signed from ”Fiddler on the Roof”

    Sheldon Harnick autograph musical quotation signed for ”If I Were a Rich Man” from ”Fiddler on the Roof”. Harnick writes two bars of a stave from the classic song. Composed in black felt-tip, document measures 11” x 8.5”. Minor creasing, overall near fine. Sold for $1,000.

    Sergei Rachmaninoff Signed Photo
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    FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Claude Debussy autograph letter signed that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

    Claude Debussy autograph letter signed

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