Opera a'graphs Pi-R

Autographs - opera singers Pi - R

N.B. Items are not shown to scale with each other, and measurements are approximate

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above: detail of Alfred Picaver autograph

Alfred Piccaver - 1884-1958, British-born tenor, later American. He trained in the USA then Prague, where he began his professional career. He then became a popular performer in Vienna where he sang in La Boheme, Puccini proclaiming him "my ideal Rodolfo". His roles in Vienna included Cavaradossi, Canio, Radames, Florestan and Lensky and Walther. In the 1930s he lived in London, and mostly performed there. After the war he moved to Vienna where he taught, and eventually died. - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo showing him as the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto, which has been sent through the post, post-marked Vienna 1916, with a really excellent autograph in blue ink. Condition: minor wear to all four corners. £75

Jeannette Pilou - born 1937, Egyptian-born Greek soprano; she sang Mimi with the Vienna Staatsoper in 1965, and Gluck's Euridice for the Paris Opera in 1973. She made a sensational Metropolitan Opera debut in 1967 as Gounod's Juliette, returning for Michaela, Violetta, Susanna, Mimi, Zerlina, Butterfly Nedda and Marguerite - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, dated 1971 on reverse. Condition: slight creasing to bottom corners. £28

Lea Piltti - 1904-1982, Finnish soprano; an outstanding singer who was denied the huge career she merited by WW2. She made her professional debut in 1926 as Lakme in Finland, then was a sensational Queen of the Night for Berlin Staatsoper. She sang throughout Germany and in 1939 made her debut for the Vienna Staatsoper. In 1943 she was forced to leave Germany, and sang, mostly concerts, in Finland and then the USA, becoming a famous singing professor in the 1950s and 60s - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed in blue ink. £50

Rosalind Plowright - born 1949, British soprano (now mezzo-soprano), a notable Tosca, Donna Elvira and Desdemona - autographed 6 x 3.5 inches (15 x 9 cm) white page from autograph book, signed after singing Senta in Der Fliegende Hollander at ROH Covent Garden in 1986. £10

above: detail of Alfred Poell autograph

Alfred Poell - 1900-1968, Austrian baritone; he was a member of Düsseldorf opera until 1940 when he became a principal baritone with the Vienna Staatsoper. After the war he appeared in most of the major European opera houses, frequently at Covent Garden, Paris Opera, Glyndeboure and Salzburg. He had a huge repertoire, but was most admired in Mozart roles (particularly the Count, Don Giovanni and Guglielmo) and also those of Richard Strauss (Mandryka and Faninal). He sang in the world premieres of Strauss' Die Liebe der Danae, and von Einem's Der Prozess, and made a large number of recordings - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £40

above: detail of Deborah Polaski autograph

Deborah Polaski - born 1949, American soprano. She is best known for Wagner dramatic soprano (and occassionally mezzo-soprano) roles. In 1988 she made her Bayreuth debut as Brünnhilde, returning six times in the following decade to sing the same role. She has sung at most of the world's major opera houses, including Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera. Her repertoire includes Isolde, Kundry Ortrud, Senta, Ariadne and Elektra. She has also had an extensive career as a recitalist - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo. £18

above: detail of Lily Pons autograph

Lily Pons - 1898-1976, American soprano who caused a sensation when she made her Met debut in 1931 as Lucia. She remained with the company for 26 seasons, having great success with roles such as Gilda, Olympia and Lakme. In 1935 she made her Covent Garden debut as Rosina - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed postcard, firmly and rapidly signed in black ink. Condition: slight wear to corners and lower edge. £80

above: detail of Lucia Popp autograph

Lucia Popp - 1939-1993, Slovak soprano. She was one of the finest singers of the late 20th century. Initially a soubrette, she moved to coluratura and lyric roles, and then Strauss, Verdi and Wagner roles. She frequently sang at Covent Garden, where she made her debut in 1966 as Oscar. In 1967 she made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera as the Queen of the Night, and frequently sang at both La Scala MIlan and Vienna Staatsoper. She had a wide repertoire, including Mozart's Countess, Pamina, Zerlina, Donna Elvira, both Sophie and the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier, and the title role in Arabella. As well as possessing one of the very finest soprano voices of her age,she was a highly intelligent singer and was highly acclaimed as a recitalist- 4.75 x 7 inches (12 x 18 cm) autographed photo. £40

Courtice Pounds - 1862-1927, British tenor, important member of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company 1885-91, creating the roles of Fairfax in The Yeomen of the Guard, and Marco in The Gondoliers; later became a big star of musical comedy - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Rotary postcard showing him in costume, signed: "Yours faithfully, Courtice Pounds". £28 [ref: CP1]

above: detail of Courtice Pounds autograph

Courtice Pounds - 1892-1927, British tenor, important member of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company 1885-91, creating the roles of Fairfax in The Yeomen of the Guard, and Marco in The Gondoliers; later became a big star of musical comedy - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed postcard showing him as Jasomir in Princess Caprice, signed: "Yours truly, Courtice Pounds". £25 [ref: CP3]

above: detail of Courtice Pounds autograph

Hermann Prey - 1929-1998, German baritone with a wide repertoire of lieder and opera, particularly fine as Papageno and both Mozart and Rossini Figaros - 3.75 x 5.5 inches (9.5 x 14 cm) autographed photo showing him as Beckmesser in Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg. £25 [ref: MP1]

Hermann Prey - 1929-1998, German baritone with a wide repertoire of lieder and opera, particularly fine as Papageno and both Rossini and Mozart Figaros - 3.5 x 5.5 inches autographed Columbia publicity photo on very thin card, signed: "Hermann Prey, 1965". Condition: tiny crease to top left corner. Desirable young image and autograph. £35 [ref: HP2]

detail of Leontyne Price autograph

Leontyne Price - born 1927, American soprano; she shot to fame in 1955 following a television performance of Tosca, and sang a number of roles for San Francisco Opera, before making her debuts at La Scala, Verona and Covent Garden, all in 1958, and all as Aida. In 1961 she made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Leonora in Il Trovatore, returning for Leonora in La Forza del Destino, Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera, Butterfly, Minnie, Tosca, Fiordiligi and Pamina. Never a great actress, she was vocally amongst the very greatest Verdi and Puccini sopranos of all time, and she made numerous highly acclaimed recordings - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed record company card, signed: "Sincerely, Leontyne Price" in blue biro. Desirable early (1960s) autograph. £50

Olwen Price - 1903-1999, British (Welsh) mezzo-soprano who joined Sadlers Wells Opera in the early 1940s, singing numerous roles including Martha in Faust, Mistress Quickly in Falstaff, Mama Lucia, Suzuki and Azucena. In the late 1950s she joined Welsh National Opera where her roles included Azucena, Bertha in The Barber of Seville and Madelon in Andrea Chenier - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Yours sincerely, Olwen Price", with a message from her on the reverse. £20

above: detail of Olwen Price autograph

Aldo Protti - 1920-1995, Italian baritone who made his debut as Rossini's Figaro in Pesaro in 1948, and his debut at La Scala Milan in 1950 as Amonasro. He sang in most of the world's major opera houses where he was particularly in demand for his greatest roles, Iajo and Rigoletto. His repertoire included Scarpia, Alfio, Tonio, Gerard and Ford - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo showing him as Renato in Un Ballo in Maschera, signed in red marker-pen. £25 [ref: AP1]

above: detail ofAldo Protti autograph

Aldo Protti - 1920-1995. Italian baritone who made his professional debut as Rosini's Figaro in Pesaro in 1948, and his debut at La Scala Milan in 1950 as Amonasro. He sang in most of the world's major opera houses where he was particularly in demand for his greatest roles, Iago and Rigoletto. His repertoire included Scarpia, Alfio, Tonio, Renato, Gerard and Ford - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo showing him as Rigoletto. [This is a rather nicer photo and autograph than appears on these scans.] £25 [ref: AP2]

above: detail of Ruth-Margaret Pütz autograph

Ruth-Margaret Pütz - born 1931, German soprano. She sang throughout Germany, and most notably for Hannover Opera from 1951-1957. She was a noted Zerbinetta, Konstanze and Gilda; she also sang in Rome, Venice, Naples and Buenos Aires, and was a famous Queen of the Night, and Rosina in The Barber of Seville - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autpgraphed photo. £20 [ref: RMP1]

Ruth-Margaret Pütz - born 1931, German soprano who sang throughout Germany, and most notably for Hannover Opera from 1951-1957. She was a noted Zerbinetta, Konstanze and Gilda; she also sang in Rome, Venice, Naples and Buenos Aries, and was a famous Queen of the Night, and Rosina in The Barber of Seville - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Herzliebst, Ruth-Margaret Pütz". £20 [ref: RMP2]

Gino Quilico - born 1955, Canadian baritone (son of baritone Louis Quilico) a noted Rossini Figaro and Don Giovanni - autograph on 6 x 3.5 inches (15 x 9 cm) white page from autograph book, signed after singing Belcore in L'Elisir d'amour at ROH Covent Garden in 1985. £10

J. Patrick Raftery - American baritone turned dramatic tenor, now known for singing Otello, Tristan and Florestan - autograph on 6 x 3.5 inches (15 x 9 cm) white page from autograph book, signed in 1985 after singing The Count in Le Nozze di Figaro at ROH Covent Garden. £10

Ruggero Raimondi - born 1941, Italian bass who made his professional debut as Colline at Spoletta, and then Procida for Rome Opera. In 1969 he sang Don Giovanni at Glyndebourne, making his Metropolitan Opera debut as Silva (Ernani) in 1970, and his Covent Garden debut as Fiesco in 1972. His repertoire includes Boris Godunov, Massenet's Don Quichotte, Mephistopheles, Rossini's Moses, and King Philip, and more recently Scarpia, Iago and Falstaff - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo showing him as Procida in I Vespri Siciliani at La Scala, signed in black marker-pen. £25

above: detail of Samuel Ramey autograph

Samuel Ramey - born 1942, American bass, a fine basso-cantante with a large repertoire. Sang with New York City Opera in the 1970s then made his Met debut in 1984, subsequently singing a huge variety of roles there including Boris, Phillip II and Don Basilio. At ROH Covent Garden he has sung Mozart's Figaro, and made a huge success of Gounod's Mephistopheles and the four villains in The Tales of Hoffmann - 7.75 x 10 inches (19.5 x 25.5 cm) large autographed photo, with dedication: "To Juan, many thanks and best wishes, Samuel Ramey". £15 [ref: SR2]

[N.B. He should not be confused with the film director of the same name.]

above: detail of Samuel Ramey autograph

Samuel Ramey - born 1942, American bass, a fine basso-cantante with a large repertoire. Sang with New York City Opera in the 1970s then made his Met debut in 1984, subsequently singing a huge variety of roles there including Boris, Phillip II and Don Basilio. At ROH Covent Garden he has sung Mozart's Figaro, and made a huge success of Gounod's Mephistopheles and the four villains in The Tales of Hoffmann - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed record company publicity card, signed: "Best wishes, Samuel Ramey". £20 [ref: SR3]

[N.B. He should not be confused with the film director of the same name.]

above: detail of Eva Randova autograph

Eva Randova - born 1936, Czech mezzo-soprano. She sang with the Prague National Theatre and then Stuttgart Opera, making her Bayreuth debut in 1973 as Waltraute, going on to sing Ortrud, Kundry and Fricka. She made her Covent Garden debut as Ortrud in 1977, and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1981 as Fricka. As well as her Wagner roles, she is particularly noted for her Janacek ones, and has made numerous recordings - 4.25 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo, showing her in La Gioconda at the Deutche Oper, Berlin, signed in red marker-pen. £20 [ref: ER1]

above: detail of Leslie Rands autograph

Leslie Rands - 1900-1972, British baritone, most famous for his long career with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, singing most of the Gilbert and Sullivan lyric baritone roles, including Captain Corcoran in HMS Pinafore, Florian in Princess Ida, Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, Pish Tush in The Mikado, Dr Daly in The Sorcerer, Grosvenor in Patience and Strephon in Iolanthe, perhaps his finest role - 3.25 x 5.25 inches (8.5 x 13.5 cm) autographed photo showing him as Strephon, signed "Yours sincerely, Leslie Rands", and with 55-word message to a fan on reverse in his handwriting. £20 [ref: LR1]

John Rawnsley - born 1950, larger-than-life British baritone, best known for playing Rigoletto in Jonathan Miller's production for English National Opera in the 1980s, but more recently with major international career - autograph on 6 x 3.5 inches (15 x 9 cm) white page from autograph book. £10

Regina Resnik - American mezzo-soprano with huge voice, particularly fine in Verdi, a noted Ulrica, Eboli and Mistress Quickly - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £30

Katia Ricciarelli - born 1946, Italian soprano, famous for Verdi and Puccini roles: she made her Covent Garden debut in 1974 as Mimi, and her Met debut in the same role in 1975; she was Desdemona in Zeffirelli's 1986 film of Verdi's Otello, and is particularly noted for her performances of Leonora (Il Trovatore) - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo. £20

Karl Ridderbusch - 1932-1997, German bass with a huge and beautiful voice, who was also a fine actor with a formidable stage presence. In 1961 he made his professional debut in Münster, singing the Commendatore in Don Giovanni and Phillip II in Don Carlo. In 1965 he joined the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, where his many roles included Boris Godunov, Sparafucile and Hunding. In 1967 he made his Bayreuth debut as Henry the Fowler in Lohengrin, returning in subsequent years as Fasolt, Hunding, Hagen, Hans Sachs, Daland and King Marke. His other roles included Baron Ochs, Sarastro, Mozart's Dr Bartolo and Rocco, and he regularly sang at La Scala Milan, the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden and the Vienna Staatsoper - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed record-company card. £30 [ref: KR1]

above: detail of Karl Ridderbusch autograph

above: detail of Kenneth Riegel autograph

Kenneth Riegel - born 1938, American tenor. A highly intelligent man and powerful performer, he has sung a huge number of roles in most of the world's major opera houses. He sang in the New York premier of Henze's opera The Young Lord, and created the role of The Leper in Messiaen's opera St Francois d'Assise. At the Paris Opera he played Gounod's Faust and the title role in Les Contes d'Hoffmann, and at Covent Garden his portrayal of the Dwarf in Zemlinsky's The Birthday of the Infanta caused a sensation. He is probably best known as Don Ottavio in Joseph Losey's 1979 film of Don Giovanni - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo showing him as Don Ottavio in Joseph Losey's Don Giovanni. £20

Leif Roar - 1937-2003 Danish baritone. He was highly regarded for his Wagner roles, and at Bayreuth sang Kurwenal, Telramund and Klingsor. In 1982 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Don Pizarro in Fidelio, returning for a highly acclaimed Telramund. He was particularly noted for his Dutchman and Hans Sachs, and he had a busy career singing bass solos in Bach cantatas and oratorios - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £16

above: detail of Margherita Roberti autograph

Marguerita Roberti - born 1925, American soprano. In 1951 she made her professional debut for Saint Louis Opera, but in 1956 moved to Italy where she gained huge international success, singing Tosca at Covent Garden in 1958, and Making her Metropolitan Opera debut with the same role opposite Franco Corelli in 1962. Later in her career, most of her singing was in Italian opera houses, mostly in the Verdi roles that she so excelled in, such as Amelia in Ballo in Maschera, Louisa Miller, Aida, Leonora (Forza del Destino) and Abigaille. - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo. £20

Hans Roberts - German baritone, singing with Cologne Opera in the 1910s and 1920s - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed (wavey-edged) postcard showing him as Beckmesser, dated 1921 on reverse with further autograph and quote in German. £12 [ref: HR1]

Hans Roberts - German baritone, singing with Cologne Opera in 1910s and 1920s - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed (wavey-edged) postcard showing him as Loge, dated 1921 on reverse with further autograph and quote in German. £12 [ref: HR2]

Forbes Robinson - 1926-1987, popular British bass who performed with Sadlers Wells Opera and ENO, and regularly sang on BBC radio 2 for many years - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Best wishes, Forbes Robinson". £25

Joan Rodgers - born 1956; British soprano who sang Mozart roles (in particular Pamina, Zerlina, Despina and Susanna) throughout Europe in the 1980s to huge acclaim, and at English National Opera she was a wonderful Gilda. She sang Pamina at the Metropolitan Opera in 1996; more recently she has sung heavier roles including the Marschallin, Donna Elvira, and Blanche in Dialogue des Carmelites. She is also noted for her recitals of Russian songs and her translations of eastern European operas; married to conductor Paul Daniel, her family commitments may have prevented her from having the really huge international career that she deserved - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed: "With best wishes, Joan Rodgers" in firm blue biro. £20

Marta Rohs - 1909-1963, Austrian mezzo-soprano, married to the actor Fred Liewehr. She performed a huge number of roles for the Wiener Staatsoper in the 1940s and 50s, including Carmen, Dorabella, Octavian, Prfince Orlovsky, Cherubino and Maddalena in Rigoletto. She was also a regular at Dresden, the Salzburg Festival, and other German opera houses - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £35

above: detail of Nicola Rossi-Lemeni autograph

Nicola Rossi-Lemeni - 1920-1991, Italian bass (Turkish-born of Italian/Russian parentage). He made his professional debut in 1946 as Varlaam in Boris Godunov at La Fenice, then from 1947 to 1960 he sang regularly at La Scala Milan, making his Covent Garden debut in 1952. In 1953 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Faust, returning for the title roles in Don Giovanni and Boris Godunov. In his day he was one of Italy's most important basses, and he is perhaps best remembered for singing the bass roles in many of Maria Callas' complete opera recordings for EMI, including I Puritani, Norma, Il Turco in Italia and La Forza del Destino - 4.5 x 7 inches (12 x 18 cm) autographed photo, signed: "A Luis H. Bargeloz, Nicola Rossi Lemmeni 1949". Condition: photo is rather worn/dirty, with considerable surface creasing, but has a fine early autograph in black ink. £18

above: detail of Andrea Rost autograph

Andrea Rost - born 1962, Hungarian soprano. She made her professional debut in 1989 singing Gounod's Juliette for Budapest Opera, and in 1991 she joined the Vienna Staatsoper singing Zerlina, Adina, Susanna, Violetta and the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor. In 1994 she made her debut at La Scala Milan as Gilda, followed by Pamina, Susanna and Violetta. She has sung frequently at Covent Garden, including Susanna and Violetta, and in 1996 she made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Adina, returning to sing Lucia, Violetta and Gilda. She is currently enjoying huge success, and sings in most of the world's major opera houses - 3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 13 cm) autographed photo. £22

Thomas Round - 1915-2016, British tenor; he sang for six years with Sadlers Wells Opera, where his roles included Tamino, Don Ottavio and Danilo, but he is best remembered for his Gilbert and Sullivan roles with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, and later with Gilbert and Sullivan For All, which included Fairfax, Frederic, Nanki-Poo, Ralph Rackstraw and Marco - autograph on 4.5 x 3.75 inches (11.5 x 9.5 cm) pink page from autograph book. £12

above: reverse of item, showing

Helge Roswaenge autograph

Helge Roswaenge (sometimes spelt Rosvaenge) - 1897-1972, Danish tenor. He was born Helge Anton Rosenvinge Hansen, in Copenhagen, and he made his professional debut in 1921 as Don José in Carmen. By the early 1930s he was the leading tenor at the Berlin Staatsoper, and was soon performing in all of the major German and Austrian opera houses. In 1938 he made his debut at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden as Florestan, and he sang the title role in Parsifal at Bayreuth in 1934 and 1936, but then tended to avoid Wagner roles on stage. His large repertoire included Weber, Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini roles, and his huge steely voice went up to a ringing High D. His career was disrupted by WW2, although he continued to sing regularly on German radio. After the war he sang well into his 60s, his voice still magnificent, and his Andrea Chenier, Radames and Otello were particularly admired. He made a huge number of recordings - 4 x 5.75 inches (10.5 14.5 cm) photo, autographed on reverse, with message in German, dated 1938. £30 [ref: HR1]

above: detail of Helge Roswaenge autograph

Helge Roswaenge (sometimes spelt Rosvaenge) - 1897-1972, Danish tenor. He was born Helge Anton Rosenvinge Hansen, in Copenhagen, and he made his international debut in 1921 as Don José in Carmen. By the early 1930s he was the leading tenor at the Berlin Staatsoper, and was soon performing in all of the major German and Austrian opera houses. In 1938 he made his debut at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden as Florestan, and he sang the title role in Parsifal at Bayreuth in 1934 and 1936, but then tended to avoid Wagner roles on stage. His large repertoire included Weber, Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini roles, and his huge steely voice went up to a ringing High D. His career was disrupted by the Second World War, although he continued to sing regularly on German radio. After the war he sang into his 60s, his voice still magnificent, and his Andrea Chenier, Radames and Otello were particularly admired. He made a huge number of recordings - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) photo on thin card, showing him as Sou-Chong in Lehar's The Land of Smiles. Item is nicely signed in blue ink £40 [ref: HR2]

Anneliese Rothenberger - 1924-2010, German soprano with large repertoire in both opera and operetta; throughout her career she regularly sang with the Hamburg Staatsoper where her many roles included Cherubino, Oscar, Musetta and Olympia. Her numerous international appearances as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier included performing it at Glyndebourne a number of times in the early 1960s. and in 1960 she made her Met debut as Zdenka in Arabella. She made many recordings, especially of operetta and lieder - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed record company photo. £30 [ref: AR1]

Anneliese Rothenberger - 1924-2010, German soprano with large repertoire in both opera and operetta; throughout her career she regularly sang with the Hamburg Staatsoper where her many roles included Cherubino, Oscar, Musetta and Olympia. Her numerous international appearances as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier included performing it at Glyndebourne a number of times in the early 1960s. and in 1960 she made her Met debut as Zdenka in Arabella. She made many recordings, especially of operetta and lieder - 3.75 x 5.5 inches (9.5 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £30 [ref: AR2]

Anneliese Rothenberger - 1924-2010, German soprano with a large repertoire in both opera and operetta; throughout her career she regularly sang with the Hamburg Staatsoper where her many roles included Cherubino, Oscar, Musetta and Olympia. Her numerous international appearances as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier included performing it at Glyndebourne a number of times in the early 1960s. and in 1960 she made her Met debut as Zdenka in Arabella. She made many recordings, especially of operetta and lieder - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed record company photo, nicely signed in red marker-pen. £30 [ref: AR3]

Anneliese Rothenberger - 1924-2010, German soprano with a large repertoire in both opera and operetta; throughout her career she regularly sang with Hamburg Staatsoper where her many roles included Cherubino, Oscar, Musetta and Olympia. Her numerous international appearances as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier included performing it at Glyndebourne a number of times in the 1960s, and in 1960 she made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Zdenka in Arabella. She made many recordings, especially of operetta and lieder - 3.75 x 5.75 inches (9.5 x 14.5 cm) autographed record company photo, nicely digned in blue marker-pen. £30 [ref: AR4]

Joseph Rouleau - born 1929, Canadian bass, who sang Colline in La Boheme for New Orleans Opera, and then Philip in Don Carlos in 1956. In the 1960s and 70s he sang more than 40 roles at ROH Covent Garden, where his roles included Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Mephistopheles in Gounod's Faust, and the title roles in Boris Godunov and Don Quichotte. In 1984 he made his Met debut as The Grand Inquisitor in Don Carlo - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed: "For Norman & Pam, sincerely, Joseph Rouleau". £20

above: detail of Joseph Rouleau autograph

above: detail of Tresi Rudolph autograph

Tresi Rudolph - 1911-1997, German soprano, who sang with Hamburg State Opera and the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Her career was disrupted by the war, and she was denied the internation success that she deserved. Her repertoire included Tosca, Musetta, Nedda, Violetta Mimi, Aida, Cho Cho San and Papagena - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Herzliebst, Tresi Rudolph". £20

Leonie Rysanek - 1926-1998, Austrian dramatic soprano; at Bayreuth in 1951 her Sieglinde caused a sensation, and she returned to sing Kundry, Elsa and Elizabeth. She joined the Vienna Staatsoper in 1952 where her many roles included Salome and Turandot, and made her Covent Garden debut in 1953 as Danae, returning to sing Tosca, Elsa, Sieglinde and Chrysothemis; in 1959 she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera replacing Callas as Lady Macbeth, and returning to sing 24 other roles - 8 x 10 inches (20 x 26 cm) large autographed photo. Condition: very minor surface creases. £35 [ref LR1]

Leonie Rysanek - 1926-1998, Austrian dramatic soprano; at Bayreuth in 1951 her Sieglinde caused a sensation, and she returned to sing Kundry, Elsa and Elizabeth. She joined the Vienna Staatsoper in 1952 where her many roles included Salome and Turandot, and made her Covent Garden debut in 1953 as Danae, returning to sing Tosca, Elsa, Sieglinde and Chrysothemis; in 1959 she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera replacing Callas as Lady Macbeth - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £25 [ref: LR2]

above: detail of Leonie Rysanek autograph

Leonie Rysanek - 1926-1998, Austrian dramatic soprano. At Bayreuth in 1951 her Sieglinde caused a sensation, and she returned to sing Kundry, Elsa and Elizabeth. She joined the Vienna Staatsoper in 1952 where her many roles included Salome and Turandot, and she made her Covent Garden debut in 1953 as Danae, returning to sing Tosca, Elsa, Sieglinde and Chrysothemis. In 1959 she made her Metropolitan Opera debut replacing Callas as Lady Macbeth, returning to sing 24 different roles - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £35 [ref: LR4]

above: detail of autograph

Lotte Rysanek - born 1923, Austrian soprano; despite having a glorious voice, she didn't have the huge international career of her younger sister, Leonie Rysanek, not least because she disliked travel and prefered to stay in Vienna, where she sang for the Staatsoper from 1955 to 1987. Her repertoire ran from spinto roles such as Leonore in Il Trovatore, to lyric roles such as Nedda, Liu, and numerous operetta roles. At Bayreuth she performed Helmwige alongside her sister in 1958 in Die Walkure - 3.5 x 5.5 inches autographed photo. £25

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