PROVENANCE:

Donated by Miklós Rózsa to the USC Thornton School of Music in November, 1993.

SCOPE/CONTENT:

The letters, documents, photographs and manuscripts span three centuries of musical history. Rózsa collected these notes and letters over the course of a lifetime. Some he bought at auctions; others he received as gifts. Brahms' calling card with a brief note about a cantata, a few hastily scribbled bars of music in Richard Wagner's hand, a sentimental inscription to Rózsa from conductor Bruno Walter.

When the collection was in Rózsa's home, he kept it close to his studio and the piano where he composed. Asked if he would miss having them near, he replied, "yes, every one of them!" But having spent many years of his life teaching at USC, he said, nothing could make him happier than to see young people draw the same inspiration from the letters that he has.

Most of the correspondence relates to the composition, performance and business of music - Claude Debussy's 1899 missive about re-arranging a meeting with his publisher, for example, and Liszt's 1880 letter about going to Budapest to teach. Other writings deal with the mundane realities of daily life. Recurrent themes include the payment of debts (Liszt, 1853: "accept the repayment of my small debt, 8 Thaler, 18 gr."), the climate (Puccini, 1913: "My dear chap...Milan is terrible in winter and impossible in summer") and social amenities (Sergei Rachmaninov, 1906: "Birthday greettings to Nina Kushetz."

Most of the letters in the collection were handwritten, though some of the more recent ones were typed. In a 1949 letter, which Rózsa said was his favorite, Richard Strauss attempts - in German - to explain to actor Lionel Barrymore the nature of his relationship with the Nazi party. Other items range from Tchaikovsky's apology, dated 1889, for being a tardy correspondent, which bears his large inked signature, to a faded typed message from Marc-Antoine Charpentier, dated Paris, 1932, regarding the broadcast of his "Poemes chantes" over Radio Paris.

The collection covers an intriguing mix of musical ruminations. One composer is struggling to finish an opera before he leaves for the country. Others are preoccupied by their health: Puccini, writing in 1906 from Paris' Grand Hotel de Londres, thanks his physician for a favorable urinalysis.

In addition to writings by musicians, the collection contains letters from several heads of state who were musical patrons. Included are a 1666 message from Leopold I of Hungary and a 1670 letter from France's Louis XIV. Also in the collection is a simple pencil drawing by Liszt - a rear view of a tousle- haired conductor.

BIOGRAPHY:

Miklós Rózsa was born in Budapest on April 18, 1907. He was raised in Budapest, and on his father's rural estate in nearby Tomasi he was exposed to Hungarian peasant music and folk traditions from an early age. He studied the piano with his mother, a classmate of Bartok at the Budapest Academy, and the violin and viola with his uncle, Lajos Berkovits, a musician with the Royal Hungarian Opera. By the age of seven, Rozsa was composing his own works. Later, as a student at the Realgymnasium, he championed the work of Bartok and Kodaly, keeping his own notebook of collected folktunes.

He decided to go to Leipzig, nominally to study chemistry; but having enlisted the support of Hermann Grabner (Reger's former pupil, assistant and successor at the Conservatory), Rózsa finally enrolled as a full-time music student. A performance of his Piano Quintet op.2 attracted the attention of Karl Straube, the then Cantor of the Thomaskirche, who was very impressed and furnished Rózsa with an introduction to Breitkopf & Härtel. They immediately offered him a contract, and the String Trio op.1 and the Piano Quintet op.2 became his first published compositions.

In 1929 he received his diplomas cum laude. For a time he remained in Leipzig as Grabner's assistant. In 1931 he moved to Paris where he completed his Theme, Variations and Finale (1933, rev. 1943 and 1966), a work that soon gained international recognition. (It was on the programme the night Bernstein made his conducting debut with the New York PO in 1943.) In recognition of his musical achievements, Rozsa was awarded the Franz Joseph Prize from the municipality of Budapest in 1937 and 1938.

Rozsa was invited to compose Hungaria, a ballet in one act, for the Markova-Dolin Company. Among those who heard it was the film director Jacques Feyder, who arranged for Rózsa to write the score for his next picture Knight without Armour (with Dietrich and Donat), which he was directing for Rózsa's fellow expatriate Hungarian, Sir Alexander Korda. The score Rózsa produced won considerable acclaim, and following the success of Thunder in the City, his next picture, he was invited to join the staff of Korda's London Films. The Four Feathers was Rózsa's first big international success. From 1935 to 1939 he frequently shuttled between Paris and London.

At the start of WWII, Korda found himself obliged to transplant the entire production corps to Hollywood; Rózsa accompanied them. He docked at Manhattan in April 1940, and made his way west to Hollywood; and Hollywood became his home.

For a time Rózsa remained with the Kordas and scored another big success with Jungle Book. In 1943 also he married Margaret Finlason, formerly secretary to Gracie Fields. Their daughter Juliet was born in 1945, their son Nicholas in 1946, by which time Rózsa was firmly established as one of the leading composers of the film colony.

Rózsa won the Academy Award in 1945 for his score for Hitchcock's Spellbound, again in 1947 for A Double Life, and for a third time in 1959 for Ben-Hur. In 1945 he joined the faculty of the University of Southern California as Professor of Film Music, a post he retained until 1965.

In 1948 Rózsa joined the staff of MGM Pictures and remained with them until 1962, scoring many of the major productions of the 50s.

His skill at manipulating traditional forms is particularly evident in the Concerto for Strings (1943, rev. 1957) and the Piano Sonata (1948). Best known are his Violin Concerto (1953), written for Jascha Heifetz; the Piano Concerto (1966); the Cello Concerto (1968), composed for Janos Starker; and a Viola Concerto (1979) for Pinchas Zukerman.

Seemingly forgotten by a pop-oriented Hollywood in the 1970s, Rózsa experienced an extraordinary renaissance in later years. His film scores were rediscovered and successfully recorded by Charles Gerhardt, Elmer Bernstein, and Rózsa himself. Honorary doctorates were conferred by the College of Wooster (Ohio), and the University of Southern California in 1988. He received a Cesar award for the score for Renais' Providence (1977).

Rózsa summed up his career with an elegant memoir, Double Life, published in 1982. That same year, a debilitating stroke began the final chapter, effectively ending his film career. The composer fought back with the toughness and tenacity that belied his courtly manner. Throughout the 1980s there emerged a series of solo compositions for flute, clarinet, guitar, oboe, violin, ondes martenot, and viola. Failing eyesight finally stilled his pen in 1988. His final years were severely restricted in their activity.

Rózsa died on July 27, 1995.

COLLECTION INVENTORY:

(abbreviations used:
AC -- Autograph Card
ADS -- Autograph Document Signed
ACS -- Autograph Card Signed
ALS -- Autograph Letter Signed
AMs -- Autograph Manuscript
AMsS -- Autograph Manuscript Signed
AN -- Autograph Note
ANS -- Autograph Note
L -- Letter
LS -- Letter Signed
PC -- Postcard
TC -- Typewritten Card
TCS -- Typewritten Card Signed
TL -- Typewritten Letter
TLS -- Typewritten Letter Signed
TMs -- Typewritten Manuscript
TMsS -- Typewritten Manuscript Signed)

AUBERT, ESPRIT. A.L.S. 1 page ND. To composer Capecelatro regarding the poems of Crosnier.

ARDITI, LUIGI. A.MS.S. small card. London, 24 May 1895. Four bars of music from Il Bacio.

BEERBOHM, MAX, A.L.S. 2 1/4 pages London, 3 June 1900. To Mrs. Henry Harland. Fascinating content as he comments on her husband's book "The Cardinal's Snuff Box'. W/cover.

BELLINI, VICENZO. A.L.S. 1 Page, December 1833. To Sr. Nasi.

BERLIOZ, HECTOR. A.LS. 1 page, 22 December 1853. To Mrs. Bamps in Brussels. He is requesting information on Ardien Carnier.

BRAHMS, J. A.N.S. 'J.B' on correspondence card. To pianist Ilona Eibenschutz. The contents refer to a visit.

BRAHMS, J. A.L.S. 'J. Brahms' 3pp. Russilchon, June 1874. On Cipher stationery. To:'Scoulz'. With: Correspondence card to Franz Wuliner. He mentions a cantata and orchestral parts for one of his works. (Two pieces)

BRITTEN, BENJAMIN. A.N.S. "Ben" on engraved stationery. Athens, ND. Framed with: A.N.S. 'Ben' calling card. 'Thank you for the birthday wishes' (Two Pieces)

BRUCH, MAX. A.L.S. 2 pages. 3 February 1881. To Goldschmidt. regarding financial assistance given to Bruch.

BULOW, BARON HANS GUIDO VON. A.L.S. 1 1/2 pp., Munich, 15 February 1868. To Professor Salvator De Marchesi in Cologne. Content mentions the translation of Lohengrin. In French.

BULOW, BARON HANS GUIDO VON. A.L.S. 1 1/2 pp. Berlin, August 1888. To: 'Adored Friend". In Italian. Thanks for the telegram, he will leave for Munich.

BULOW, BARON HANS GUIDO VON. A.N.S. With portrait. Obl. Boston, 27 March, 1890. Inscription reads: 'More sarsparilla If you please'.

BUSONI, F.B. Portion of album page, llx9 1/2. A.MS. 4 double bars of music with A.N.S. 7 lines, Chicago, 1904. With: Signature of Sir Henry Irving on the verso bar of music. And, A.N.S. of Jacques Thibaud and others.

CHABRIER, EMMANUEL. A.L.S. 'Emmanuel' 1/2P. La Membrolle. Charming invitation to a friend. with A.L.S. "Emmanuel". 1 page OBL. Membrolle, 12 June 1890. in pencil. Together with A.L.S. in full 1 page OBL. From Cafe Suberbe. (Three Pieces)

CHARPENTIER, GUSTAVE. A.L.S. 3PP To: 'Dear Friend". sends thanks for masterpiece. Framed with: A.L.S. on Pneumatique stationery. IP to Lucien Descave. (Two Pieces)

CHARPENTIER, GUSTAVE. T.L.S. 1 page , Paris 13 June 1932. Cover addressed to M. Emile Drain. Content regards his 'Poemes Chantes' on Radio Paris. Typing is readable but faded. Condition Fair.

CHERUBINI, MARIA LUIGI, music score. MS. unsigned, 1 page OBL. Folio, 1838, on lined music paper.

D'ALBERT EUGENE- A MS.S. 1 page OBL. Coswig, 24 Nov. 1892. Two bars of music Framed together with: I. Paderewski. Two double bars of music on card, Buffalo, 15/l/1893. Concerto- Opus 17. Framed with: Anton Rubenstein. One note. Albany, 19 Nov. 1879. (Three Pieces)

DEBUSSY, CLAUDE. A.L.S. One Page. , Paris, 11 Nov. 1896. To: Georges Hartman.

DEBUSSY, CLAUDE. A.L.S. 1/2P Lundi, 12 January 1899. To: Mons. Hartman. 'He will be happy to receive the material'. with: A.N.S. "CD" on his visiting card. He mentions 'Nuit Blanche". (Two Pieces)

DEBUSSY, CLAUDE. A.L.S. Black border, 1 page OBI. : From,80 Avenue DuBois De Boulogne. A four-line note to his 'dear friend'.

DEBUSSY, CLAUDE. A.L.S. One page. Lundi ND. To: 'Cher Madam'. Content states that he is in fear of something.

DELIBES, LEO. A.L.S. 2 1/2 PP. , Paris 2 May N.Y. To the Count De Royderville. Content thanks the Count for a present.

DONIZETTI, GAETANO. A.L.S. One page Parma, 16 July 1839.To: Monsieur D'Bonola in Milan. It is a letter of introduction for a young Frenchman of a distinguished family.

DONIZETTI, GAETANO, A.L.S. 1/2P 30 Dec. 1842. To his collaborator regarding a meeting with Louis Crosnier.

ELGAR, SIR EDWARD. A.LS. 1 page, Worcester, 9 July 1931. To Herbert Howells. Thanks for the kind note, he has been ill. Framed separately with an unsigned Christmas Card, dated 1932-33. (Two Pieces)

FALLA, MANUEL DE- A.L.S. 1 page N.D. (circa 1930) To: Countess De Chalmont Quitry. Regrets he cannot accept an invitation.

FAURE; GABRIEL. A.L.S. 1 page N.D. To: Henry Gauthier Villars about the originality of his dedication.

FLOTOW, BARON FRIEDRICH VON. A.LS. One page. To: Lovy, the Director of a music magazine. in regards to sending a contribution.

GIORDANO, UMBERTO. A.L.S. 2PP Milan, 17 June 1896. He would be glad to pay tribute to Donizetti but has a contract to fulfill. Contents are readable, but faded.

GOLDMARK, KARL A.L.S. 3PP , Gmunden, 1891. To the critic Hanslik. Request for money; he is going to Milan.

GOLDMARK, KARL A.LS. 2PP Vienna, 1897. To Hanslik about a performance of 'The Queen Of Sheba'; not very good, but it gave him much pleasure.

GOUNOD, CHARLES. A.L.S. l page 4 January 1848. To: Auguste, contents are of a social nature.

GOUNOD, CHARLES A.L.S. 1 page. July 1858. Content is in regards 'Sapho' and 'Medicin Malgre Lui". It is written on the 'Theatre Lyrique" stationery.

GOUNOD, CHARLES. A.MS.S. On the first page of a two-page manuscript OBL. 10, June 1868. Folded music paper has arrangement for four male voices, titled 'Adagio'.

GOUNOD, CHARLES. A.L.S. 2PP. Margate, 30 October 1873. To: Edith. He reports (in English) that he has many new works.

GRIEG, EDWARD A.L.S. l page . Leipzig, 18 October 1883. To Board of Directors of The Museum Concerts in Frankfort-on-Main. Together with: A.L.S. 2PP Copenhagen 21/12/98 to the Pianist of the Court, regarding various artists. (Two Pieces)

GRIEG, EDWARD. A.MS.S. 1 page , 30 April 1894. First two double bars of his "A Minor Piano Concerto". with cover. Addressed to Edith Fleury.

HUMPERDINCK, E. Note signed. With hastily drawn bar of music.

HOLST, GUSTAV VON T.D.S. 1/2Page London 2 November 1911. This is a receipt for the rights to Autumn Song to his publisher.

INDY, VINCENT D'. A.MS.S. lpage OBL. Folio. 6 January 1907. Seven bars of music on one line of lined music paper. 'Jour D'Ete A La Montagne'. Together with A.L.S. 1 full page. Paris 25 February 1892. Regarding a concert on 14 May with Pleyel. With: A.N.S. 1 page "Vendredi Soir". Content regarding an appointment. (Three Pieces)

INDY, VINCENT D- A.L.S. 1 page , Paris 24 March 1894. To: "Chere Madame'

KARG-ELERT, SIGFRID. T.L.S. 1 Page. Leipzig, 20 December 1930. Personal reminiscences of his London visit. In English.

LEONCAVALLO, RUGGIERO. A.L.S. 3PP , Pallanza, 29 December 1897. contents are about his La Boheme.

LEONCAVALLO, R. A.LS. 3PP , Perugia, 30 Sept. 1898. About the score for his Opera I Medici. The German translation is in Berlin. La Boheme will be given in Nice this Winter. He mentions Pagliacci and Der Roland.

LEONCAVALLO, R. Bust Profile photo. 5 1/2 x 4. Inscribed and signed on t//the mount, 1913, by Adolfo Ermini, Milan.

LEONCAVALLO, R. A.L.S. 2PP N.D. To: Baron A. Castrone. Ill health prevents a meeting with the Marquis.

LESCHETIZKY, THEODOR. A.L.S. 1 1/2PP. 9 March 1908. Vignette at the top with a reproduction of his signed photo (1905).

LISZT, FRANZ. A.L.S. 2 1/2PP 9 November 1845. To the sculptor Mercier regarding railroad stock.

LISZT, F. A.L.S. 4PP Lille, 16 January 1846. In French. To Mercier the sculptor regarding personal business.

LISZT, F. A.L.S. 1 1/2 PP Weimar, 21 Nov. 1853. With portrait. Thanks for collection of old Italian Masters. Send copies of Caecilia.

LISZT, F. A.L.S. 14 August 1880. To Helene Knapp, with cover. He goes to Budapest to teach. He has heard good things about her Opera.

LISZT, F. A.MS. Words only in Liszt's hand. 4PP folio: Music in hand of copyist. Two Rhenish songs complete.

LISZT, FRANZ. A.L.S. ipage N.P. 23 May N.Y. with: A.D., 1 page and cover written in his hand. To The Grand Duchess of Saxe. In French. His letter transmits a concert program which includes compositions of Spohr, Berlioz, Schubert and Mendelssohn. Performing artists are noted. (Two Pieces)

LISZT, F. A.L.S. 3PP Paris, N.D. to: George Sand at Lachatre. She should come to see Marie D'Agoult. He is very busy but he wants to see her.

(LISZT F.) Drawing, approx. 6'x4' depicting the rear view of a conductor. done in pencil and initialed 'F.L. 14-2-72'

MAHLER, GUSTAV. L.S. 1/2P Large Budapest, 24 Sept. 1890. To: J. Wild in Vienna. Regarding Miss Schlager's Recital in October.

MALIPIERO, G. FRANCESCO. A.L.S. 4PP. Asolo, 22 Dec. 1883. To his collaborator, "Caro Oppo".

MASCAGNI, PIETRO. A.L.S. 4PP Florence, 1 May 1906. To Alberto Avena with cover. About the orchestra he will need for a performance in Rome where he will be on the 24th.

MASSENET, JULES. A.L.S. 2PP Paris 27 April 1894. To Madame Campbell. With cover. Friendly social letter with tiny excerpt from 'Alleluia'.

MASSENET, JULES. A.L.S. 2PP Paris 1900. With bars of music. To 'Dear Madame'. An amusing letter that mentions Manon.

MASSENET, JULES. A.MS.S. On small slip. Two bars of music from Thais with picture taken at home.

MENDELSSOHN, FELIX. A.L.S. lpage 1833. To Madame Privy Councillor A. Krause. Signed: "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy"'.

MENDELSSOHN, F. A.L.S. 4PP. , Berlin 6 October 1842. To: My Dear Friends. content refers to his work.

MENDELSSOHN, F. A.L.S. 1 1/2PP Berlin 21 Nov. 1844. He does not have a free day to play for his correspondent's friend.

MENDELSSOHN, F. A.L.S. lpage Berlin 23 Jan. 1842. About a pantomime of his "Antigone" with: Lea Felicia Paulina Mendelssohn, Mother of Felix Mendelssohn. Three lengthy letters, 1836-1839. To Ferdinand David the Concert Master and composer. (Four Pieces)

MESSAGER, ANDRE. A.N.S. 1/2 page. Paris, 16 Nov. 1911. To the Critic, Calvocoressi. It is an invitation to the Opera.

MEYERBEER, GIACOMO. A.L.S. 1 page. 9 Jan. 1839. In French. He is indisposed, and he cannot meet the members of the Dramatic Commission. with: A.L.S. 1 page He states that the opera 'Martha' is finished, but he must work on it for another month. (Two Pieces)

MEYERBEER, G. A.LS. lpage S.N. He has succeeded in geting two passes for The Director Of the Opera. with: A.L.S. 1 page "Vendredi" about making an appointment. (Two Pieces)

MOSCHELES, IGNAZ. A.N.S. Leipzig, 21 Jan. 1855. To Dr. Jelnik. with: A.N.S. London, 5 July 1839. And with: A.D.S. 1 page . This is a receipt. (Three Pieces)

OFFENBACH, JACQUES. A.L.S. 2 1/2 PP. On 'Theatre De La Gaiete' stationery. To: Adelina Patti, praising her work as 'Valencia'. Together with: A.N.S. initialed on his Cipher stationery. (Two Pieces) .

PIERNE, GARIEL. A.MS.S. 1 page Obl. 1919. Three bars of music from his 'Ouintette pour piano' Notes and titles in his hand.

PORKOFIEFF, LINETTE. Two A.L.S. 20 Sept. 1930 and 7 May 1931. In English to Mrs. Vladimir Bashkiroff. Contents are social comments.

PUCCINI, GIACOMO. A.L.S. l page Obl. 23 Dec. 1906. To Tonino. (Antonio Bettolacci) Regarding his travel plans: To Milan, and then Paris.

PUCCINI, GIACOMO. A.L.S. 1 page. Paris 21 Nov. 1906. To Dr. Vannice. He is cheered by the favorable medical report.

PUCCINI, GIACOMO. A.L.S. 1 page. Milan 6 Nov. 1910. To: M. Kufferath in Brussels. He writes that he is going to New York for the Opening of The Girl Of The Golden West.

PUCCINI, GIACOMO. A.L.S. 1 page. Torre Del Lago, 25 Sept. 1912. To: 'Caro Maestro'.

PUCCINI, GIACOMO. A.L.S. 1 page. Torre Del Lago, 26 May 1916. To: Giacchi Rodolfo in the war zone.

PUCCINI, GIACOMO. A.L.S. "Giacomo' 1 page. , Milan, 25 January 1913. He wanted to visit with his correspondent. However, work on the libretto has taken all his time.

PUCCINI, GIACOMO. A.MS.S. London, 9 Oct. 1911. 'Minnie's Theme' from The Girl From The Golden West.

RACHMANINOFF, SERGEI. A.MS.S. With initials in Cyrillic 'C.P.' on small card, 1906. With brief note in Russian: "Birthday greeting to Nina Koshetz". Several bars of music: 'Theme from Esudes-Tableaux, Opus 39' written in pencil. (Two Pieces).

RACHMANINOFF, S. Bust, full-face photo, 5 1/2 x 3 3/4 inches. Inscribed on mount in Cyrillic letters to Russian singer Nina Koshetz. Three bars of music in his own hand, with numerous notes from his famous song, 'The Children". Signed 12 March 1916. Laminated.

RAVEL, MAURICE. A.L.S. 2PP . N.P. N.D. (Circa 1898) "Dear Master. Thanks for assistance during rehearsal."

RIENECKE, CARL. A.MS.S. 1 page, Leipzig, 18 May 1892. Seven bars of music from his 'Prelude, Opus 165'.

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, NIKOLAI. A.L.S. 1 page. St. Petersburg, 21 January 1892. To: Isadore Philipp the French pianist, in Paris. With cover. Content thanks him for the clippings and he mentions Lizst.

ROSSINI, GIOACHINO. A.L.S. 1 page 1834. To: Mr. Baldwin. He is sending a letter to Mr. Chembers.

ROSSINI, G. A.L.S. 1 1/2 pp. Bologne, 19 Nov. 1836. To A. Doria. with address panel. Framed together with: a decorative lined music page with a few notes written in his hand. (Two Pieces).

RUBINSTEIN, ANTON. A.L.S. 1 page. Berlin, 7 Feb. 1855. In German. Framed together with: A.N.S. on small card, 11 March 1882. In French. To M. Pasdeloup. (Two Pieces).

SAINT-SAENS, CAMILLE. A.L.S. 1 1/2PP 'Dimanche'. To: G. He hopes to finish his Opera, Samson Et Dalila before he goes to the country.

SARGENT, SIR MALCOLM. A.L.S. Kennsington, England, 29 Sept. 1947. To: My dear Paddy. Sorry you were too ill for the Festival etc. signed: 'Malcolm'. On his printed stationery.

SCHUMANN, CLARA. A.L.S. On both sides of correspondence card. Frankfort, 14 Oct. 1892. With cover. To: Frau Hermine Claar.

SIBELIUS, JEAN. A.MS.S. 1 page Three bars of music from Opus 82 Symphony V.

SPONTINI, GASPARO. A.L.S. 1 page Paris, 1 Nov. 1830. To the administrator. He wants a conference concerning the Athenians and The Vestal.

SPONTINI, G. A.L.S. 1/2P 25 Sept. 1831. To: Music Director Stegmayer in Berlin. Regarding appreciation of his correspondent's music.

STRAUSS, JOHANN. L.S. 5PP 14 March 1892. To the publisher, Simrock about his new Operetta, a Waltz, and a Polka.

STRAUSS, JOHANN. A.MS. 2PP Obi. music Folio Marked 'No. 2' Der Lustige Krieg .

STRAUSS. RICHARD. Typed L.S. 1/2 page. Berlin, 20 Sept. 1907. content states that he will not conduct in Munich.

STRAUSS, R. A.L.S. 1 page. Garmisch, 20 Nov. 1931. To Mr. Tindall, Strauss's Manager in Hollywood.

STRAUSS, R. A.L.S. 4pp plus a smaller page. Zurich, 1 January 1949. To: Lionel Barrymore. It is his explanation of his relationship with the Nazi Party. He states how he did not cooperate with Dr. Goebbels because his grandchildren would suffer. He would have liked very much to have come to Southern California. Written in German.

STRAUSS, R. A.MS.S. 1 page 1927. Three bars of music identified by previous owner on verso as being from Elektra.

TCHAIKOVSKY, P-1. A.L.S. 1 page Moscow, 9 December 1889. To E. Elias. On his blue Cipher stationery. In French. An apology for not answering sooner. On verso: 4 double bars of music from 'Andante Cantabile' 9 Dec. 1889. Large signature.

THOMAS, AMBROISE. A.N.S. 1 page 2 Oct. 1866. Thanks for the cigars and pleasant memories.

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS, RALPH. A.L.S. 1 1/2PP - Dorking, 21 June 1931. To Mr. Mase about the piano score for Job.

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS, RALPH. Typed L.S., London, 1-4-55 To Paddy, re: 'J.S.B.' 'hotting up choral tunes'.

VERDI, GUISEPPE. A.L.S. l page Genoa, 10 April (circa 1883). To Dr. Angaro. It is not true that he wants to set Patrie by Sardou to music. He is thinking of not writing any other operas.

VERDI, G. Conclusion of an A.L.S. 1/2 page 9 Feb. 1893. Regarding seats for the Premiere of Falstaff.

VERDI, G. A.L.S. 1 page Monday evening, No date, To Cavaliere Alair. He asks for the violin parts in the symphony played in the House Of Angiolini. Also, send the full score.

VIEUXTEMPS, HENRY. A.L.S. 1 page. N.P. 12 Jan. 1877. To M. Colone. He asks for four tickets.

WAGNER, RICHARD. A.L.S. 'Richard W.' l page Vienna, No date. With brief postscript on verso. A.L.S. 'Richard Wagner" 1 page. Framed together with two hastily drawn bars of music, (initialed). Corner has been re-attached. Condition Fair. (Two Pieces).

WAGNER, R. A.L.S. 1 page. Lucerne, 23 October 1870- He regards his correspondent's work as very outstanding.

WAGNER, MINNA. A.L.S. 6PP Zurich, 20 Feb. 1856. To Mrs. Kimmer regarding her husband's health and his work. Tannhauser was performed eight, times in Berlin.

WAGNER, COSIMA. A.L.S. 2 1/2PP Bayreuth, 24 June 1875. To: Frau Wolf-Oppenheimer. With cover. Unless her correspondent arrives on 15 July, she will miss Das Rheingold.

WAGNER, SIEGFRIED. A.LS. 2PP Bayreuth, 18 April 1895. Regarding a meeting and mentioning a poem. Framed together with: A.N.S. on postcard to L.A. Struth. Also a postcard picture of Siegfried and Family. (Three Pieces).

WAGNER, S. Photo with Family. Inscribed and signed. with family members noted by name. Cleveland, 26 Feb. 1924.

WALTON, SIR WILLIAM. A.MS.S. 1 page Obl. 15 Jan. 1971. Six double bars of music, with words from Anon In Love. Inscribed..

WALTER, BRUNO. S.P. with sentimental inscription to Miklos Rozsa. 11 in white ink.

WOOD, HENRY J. A.LS. 7/4/31. 'Charley Wood'. stationery. To: Mr. Hadley. Social content, asking if he can come to tea.

The following Heads of State, who were Patrons of the Musical Arts, are included in the collection:

FRANCIS 11 (1768-1835) Emperor of Austria. A.L.S. l page Pressburg, 24 February (no year) (written in French). content mentions the illness of Madame De Neipperg..(Marie-Louise).

LEOPOLD 1. King Of Hungary. A.L.S. 1 page, 1 July 1666.

LOUIS XlV. A.L.S. 1 page. Arras, 14 May 1670. To: 'Mon Cousin" Contents relate to his satisfaction with services rendered.

LUDWIG 1. King Of Bavaria. A.N.S. 1 page. 24 Oct. 1841. To: The Director of the Court Theatre concerning a role for an actress.