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| Autographs: opera singers G - I |
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above: detail of Wladimiro Ganzarolli autograph |
| Wladimiro Ganzarolli - 1932-2010, Italian bass-baritone. He made his debut at La Scala Milan in 1961 in Pizzetti's Il Calzare d'Argento, and went on to sing a huge number of roles there including Dulcamara, Colline, Leporello, Mozart's Figaro, Scarpia, Escamillo and Falstaff. He sang at many of the world's greatest opera houses including Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, San Francisco Opera and Chicago Lyric Opera - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo showing him in Semiramide at La Scala Milan, with dedication in Italian, dated 1969. £18 | |
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above: detail of Miriam Gauci autograph |
| Miriam Gauci - born 1957, Maltese soprano. She made her professional debut in Bologna in La Voix Humaine, her La Scala debut in 1985, and she famously sang Michaela in Carmen at Earl's Court in 1989. At the Metropolitan Opera New York she has sung Mimi and Cio-Cio-San. Her other roles include Tosca, Suor Angelica, Nedda, Manon Lescault, Violetta, Anna Bolena, Massenet's Manon, Donna Elvira and Elizabeth (Don Carlo), many of which she has recorded - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Miriam Gauci, 19th May '92, Berlin". £20 | |
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above: detail of Nicolai Gedda autograph |
| Nicolai Gedda - 1925-2017, Swedish tenor, one of the most important singers of the 20th century. He made his debut with Swedish Royal Opera in 1951, and in 1955 made his Covent Garden debut as the Duke of Mantua. In 1957 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut, returning regularly over the next 22 years. He had a vast repertoire, and, being half-Russian, was especially good in Russian opera. His elegant voice and intelligent singing was well-suited to recording, and he made a large number of recordings - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. Condition: slight indentations at corners where photo has been mounted in album. £40 | |
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above: detail of Leyla Gencer autograph |
| Leyla Gencer - 1928-2008, Turkish soprano who had a highly successful career in Italy at La Scala Milan, Theatro di San Carlo Naples and at ROH Covent Garden. Best known for Donizetti roles, especially the title roles in Anna Bolena, Lucrezia Borgia and Maria Stuarda - 4.75 x 7.25 inches (12 x 18 cm) autographed photo; signed in pale blue ink, firmer and clearer than appears on scan, signed: "Leyla Gencer, 1961". Scarce signed photo. £90 | |
Angela Gheorghiu - born 1965, Romanian soprano. She made her Covent Garden debut in 1992 as Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and in the same year made her Vienna State Opera debut as Adina in L'elisir D'amore and her Metropolitan Opera debut as Mimi in La Boheme. Her performances in the title role of La Traviata in 1994 at Covent Garden shot her to international stardom. She continues to sing at the world's major opera houses, but is particularly famed for roles at Covent Garden, including Tosca, Adriana Lecouvreur and Mimi. She has made a huge number of recordings - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autograped EMI puiblicity photo, nicely signed in black marker-pen. £30 [ref: AG1] | | 
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above: detail of Angela Gheorghiu autograph |
| Angela Gheorghiu - born 1965, Romanian soprano. She made her Covent Garden debut in 1992 as Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and in the same year made her Vienna State Opera debut as Adina in L'elisir d'amore and her Metropolitan Opera debut as Mimi in La Boheme. Her performance in the title role of La Traviata in 1994 at Covent Garden saw her shoot to international stardom. She continues to sing at the world's major opera houses, but is particularly famed for her roles at Covent Garden, including Tosca, Adriana Lecouvreur and Mimi. She has made a huge number of recordings - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15cm) autographed EMI publicity card, signed in black marker-pen. £25 [ref: AG2] | |
| Angela Gheorghiu - born 1965, Romanian soprano. She made her Covent Garden debut in 1992 as Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and in the same year made her Vienna Staatsoper debut as Adina in L'elisir d'amore and her Met debut as Mimi in La Boheme. Her performance in the title role of La Traviata in 1994 at Covent Garden saw her shoot to international stardom. She contimues to sing at the world's major opera houses, but is particularly famed for her roles with the Royal Opera, including Tosca, Adriana Lecouvreur and Mimi. She has made a huge number of recordings - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) Royal Opera House postcard showing her as Magda in La Rondine, signed in black marker-pen. £25 [ref: AG3] | | 
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above: detail of Nicolai Ghiaurov autograph |
| Nicolai Ghiaurov - 1929-2004, Bulgarian bass, who made a speciality of Verdi roles. His international breakthrough came with the title role in Boris Godunov at La Scala Milan in 1959, and in 1962 he made his Covent Garden debut as Padre Guardiano. At the Metropolitan Opera he sang 81 performances of ten different roles. His repertoire included Rossini's Don Basilio, Ramfis, King Philip, Colline and Don Giovanni, and he made numerous recordings. His second wife was legendary soprano Mirella Freni - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Fayer postcard, signed in black marker pen, dated 1965. £40 | |
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above: detail of Nicola Ghiuselev autograph |
| Nicola Ghiuselev - 1936-2014, Bulgarian bass with huge voice and stage presence, and a dramatic and extorovert acting style, which led to some calling him a latter-day Chaliapin. His first role was Timur in Turandot, and in 1965 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Ramfis in Aida, returning for the Commendatore in Don Giovanni, and singing Pimen at the Salzburg Festival under von Karajan. At Covent Garden he sang the bass villains in The Tales of Hoffmann, and in 1984 the title role in Boris Godunov, his most famous role - 3.75 x 5.5 inches (9.5 x 14.5 cm) autographed photo, showing him as King Philip in Don Carlo. £25 | |
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above: detail of Giuseppe GIacomini autograph |
| Giuseppe Giacomini - born 1940, Italian tenor. He has been oustanding in spinto roles such as Manrico, Cavaradossi, Alviro and Calaf, making his Metropolitan Opera debut in La Forza del Destino. He has sung in most of the world's major opera houses, although arguably he has never gained the international fame that his glorious voice deserved. His repertoire is large, and his roles include Pinkerton, Don CArlo, Rodolfo, Radames, Canio. Turiddu and Des Grieux - 5 x 7 inches (12 x 18 cm) autographed photo showing him as Don Carlo at the Metropolitan Opera. £25 [ref: GG1] | |
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above: detail of Giuseppe Giacomini autograph |
| Giuseppe Giacomini - born 1940, Italian tenor. He has been outstanding in spinto roles such as Manrico, Cavaradossi, Alviro and Calaf, making his Metropolitan Opera debut in La Forza del Destino. He has sung at most of the world's major opera houses, although arguably he has never gained the international fame that his glorious voice deserved. His repertoire is large, and his roles include Pinkerton, Don Carlo, Rodolfo, Radames, Canio, Turiddu and Des Grieux - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo, showing him as Calaf in Turandot, signed: "Ad Ettore, vivamente, Giuseppe Giacomini". £20 [ref: GG2] | |
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above: detail of Giuseppe Giacomini autograph |
Giuseppe Giacomini - born 1940, Italian tenor. He has been outstanding in spinto roles such as Manrico, Cavaradossi, Alvaro and Calaf, making his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1976 in La Forza del Destino. He has sung at most of the world's major opera houses, although arguably he has never gained the international fame that his glorious voice deserved. His repertoire was large, and his roles included Pinkerton, Don Carlo, Rodolfo, Canio, Turiddu and Des Grieux - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo showing him as Radames in Aida at Deutsche Oper Berlin. £25 [ref: GG3]
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above: detail of Bonaldo Giaiotti autograph
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| Bonaldo Giaiotti - born 1932, Italian bass who sang at the Metropolitan Opera New York from 1960; he played a huge number of different roles, but was at his best in fatherly and priestly roles such as Padre Guardiano, Ramphis, and Timur. In 1986 he made his La Scala debut as Rodolpho in La Somnambula - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo, with dedication, signed: " A Ernst Wirt, cordialmente, Bonaldo Giaiotti 11.6.1969 N.Y.". £25 | |
Beniamino Gigli - 1890-1957, Italian tenor; one of the greatest singers of the 20th century, whose lyric voice was powerful enough to cope with more dramatic roles. He made his Met debut in 1920 in Boito's Mefistofele, remaining there for 12 years and singing 28 roles; in 1930 he made his Covent Garden debut as Andrea Chenier, and sang in all of Europe's major opera houses. After WW2 he managed to shrug off his reputation as Mussolini's favourite singer, and was singing right up to his death - autograph on 4.75 x 3.75 inches (12 x 9.5 cm) blue page cut from autograph book, dated 1949. £40 [ref: BG1]
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above: detail of Beniamino Gigli autograph |
| Beniamino Gigli - 1890-1957, Italian tenor; one of the greatest singers of the 20th century, whose lyric voice was powerful enough to cope with more dramatic roles. He made his Met debut in 1920 in Boito's Mefistofele, remaining there for 12 years and singing 28 roles; in 1930 he made his Covent Garden debut as Andrea Chenier, and sang in all of Europe's major opera houses. After WW2 he managed to shrug off his reputation as Mussolini's favourite singer, and he was singing regularly right up to his death - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, dated 1949. Condition: small paper fragment stuck to reverse where item has been in album. £120 [ref: BG2] | |
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above: detail of Beniamino Gigli autograph |
Beniamino Gigli - 1890-1957, Italian tenor; one of the greatest singers of the 20th century, whose lyric voice was powerful enough to cope with more dramatic roles. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1920 in Boito's Mefistofele, remaining there for 12 years and singing 28 roles; in 1930 he made his Covent Garden debut as Andrea Chenier, and sang in all of Europe's major opera houses. After WW2 he managed to shrug off his reputation as Mussolini's favourite singer, and he was singing regularly right up to his death - 6.5 x 9.5 inches (16 x 24 cm) large autographed photo, showing him celebating his 63rd birthday, and dated 1953. Lovely autograph, signed in blue-black biro, on a very unusual humorous photo. Condition: slight wear to corners, and on reverse small marks in the corners where item has been mounted in album. £130 [ref: BG3] | |
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above: detail of Joan Gillingham autograph |
Joan Gillingham - 1916-1958, British mezzo-soprano who sang with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company from 1946 to 1951. Her roles in Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas included Kate in The Pirates of Penzance, Hebe in HMS Pinafore, Lady Saphir and later Lady Angela in Patience, Pitti-Sing in The Mikado, the title role in Iolanthe, Tessa in The Gondoliers, Mad Margaret in Ruddigore and Phoebe in The Yeomen of the Guard. a wonderful vivacious performer with a lovely voice, bad health cut short what was turning into a brilliant career in 1951, and she died seven years later aged just 42 - autograph in dark blue pen, snipped from a letter or autograph book, mounted on yellow card, and then mounted on a 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) white postcard, with a photo of her from a programme or magazine. Condition: marks on reverse of white postcard where item has been glued into album. Hers is now one of the scarcer D'Oyly Carte autographs. £16 RESERVED
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| Francis Ginzer - born 1955, Canadian soprano - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo showing her as Violetta in La Traviata, with dedication: "For Robin Wilding with affection, Francis Ginzer" in gold ink. £13 | | 
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| Peter Glossop - 1928-2008, British baritone; in 1952 he joined the chorus of Sadlers Wells Opera, and went on to sing principal roles including Rossini's Figaro, Zurga, Onegin, Rigoletto and di Luna; he made his Covent Garden debut in1961 as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and went on to sing Renato, Amonasro, Iago, Boccanegra, Nabucco, Marcello, Billy Budd, Escamillo and Germont. In 1971 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Scarpia, returning as Don Carlo (Ernani), Falstaff, Redfern, Balstrode and Wozzeck. His repertoire also included Mandryka, Tonio and Macbeth; he made a number of recordings, both notably the role of Iago for Karajan - 4.5 x 7 inches (11.5 x 18 cm) autographed photo, showing him as di Luna at Naples, signed in black ink: "To Stephen Snell with best wishes, Peter Glossop". £35 | | 
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above: detail of Tito Gobbi autograph |
| Tito Gobbi - 1913-1984, Italian baritone, a major figure in post-war opera; a great singing actor, best known for his powerful Verdi and Puccini interpretations. He made his debut at La Scala in 1942 as Belcore, and his Covent Garden debut in 1953 in the same role, making his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1956 as Scarpia, possibly his most famous role. He was also the leading Iago, Posa, Boccanegra, Falstaff and Rigoletto of his age - 5 x 3.5 inches (12.5 x 9 cm) autographed photo (informal, and slightly over-exposed), with nice autograph in fine blue marker-pen. £50 | |
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above: detail of Christel Goltz autograph |
| Christel Goltz - 1912-2008, German soprano. She was an intense singing actress with a large dramatic voice, who was particularly known for singing Salome and Elektra. She sang in many German opera houses in the 1930s and 40s, most notably in Dresden, later singing in Berlin, Munich and for the Vienna Staatsoper. In 1951 she made her Covent Garden debut as Salome, and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1954. She returned to Covent Garden for the British premier of Wozzeck, and her Musetta in the Covent Garden tour of Britain was greatly admired. She was also a noted Jenufa and Turandot. - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Fayer photo (her first name given as 'Christl'), showing her in Fidelio at Salzburg, 1958. £35 [ref: CG1] | |
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above: detail of Christel Goltz autograph |
| Christel Goltz - 1912-2008, German soprano. She was an intense singing actress with a large dramatic voice, who was particularly known for her portrayals of Salome and Elektra. She sang in many German opera houses in the 1930s and 40s, most notably in Dresden, later singing in Berlin, Munich and for the Vienna Staatsoper. In 1951 she made her Covent Garden debut as Salome, and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1954. She returned to Covent Garden for the British premiere of Wozzeck, and her Musetta in the Covent Garden tour of Britain was greatly admired. She was also a not Jenufa and Turandot. - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 13 cm) autographed Fayer photo. Condition: slight glue marks on reverse where item has been stuck into album. £35 [ref: CG2] | |
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above: detail of Jill Gomez autograph |
| Jill Gomez - born 1942, Trinidadian soprano. She made her stage debut as Adina in L'Elisir d'Amore with Glyndebourne Touring Opera in 1968, then created the role of Flora in Tippett's The Knot Garden at Covent Garden in 1970. For English National Opera she played the Governess in The Turn of the Screw, and Leila, Anne Truelove and Pamina for Scottish Opera. She is a highly intelligent artist. She has been highly critical about the intenational "opera circus", and turned down numerous opportunities to perform in some of the world's major opera houses - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed: "With best wishes, Jill Gomez". £20 | |
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above: detail of Gunnar Graarud autograph |
| Gunnar Graarud - 1886-1960, Norwegian tenor who sang with the Berlin Staatsoper in the 1920s, and with the Vienna Staatsoper in the 1930s; he performed frequently at Bayreuth where he was considered one of the finest Tristans ever, and sang Tristan on the first ever complete recording of Tristan und Isolde in 1928 - 3.5 x 5.5 inches ( x 14 cm) autographed photo showing him as Tristan. £75 [ref: GG1] | |
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above: detail of Gunnar Graarud autograph |
| Gunnar Graarud - 1886-1960, Norwegian tenor who sang with the Berlin Staatsoper in the 1920s, and with the Vienna Staatsoper in the 1930s; he performed frequently at Bayreuth where he was considered one of the finest Tristans ever, and sang Tristan on the first complete recording of Tristan und Isolde in 1928 - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo showing him as Tristan. £75 [ref: GG2] | |
| Sydney Granville - 1880-1959, British baritone; he joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1907, initially in the chorus, later becoming one of their most famous artists, singing lyric baritone roles including Counsel (Trial By Jury), Samuel (Pirates of Penzance), Pish-Tush (The Mikado), Strephon (Iolanthe) and Luiz (The Gondoliers). He later sang heavier roles including Pooh-Bah (The Mikado), Private Willis (Iolanthe), Sergeant of Police (Pirates of Penzance) and King Hildebrand (Princess Ida) - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Parkslee postcard showing him as Grosvenor in Patience, signed: "Yours sincerely, Sydney Granville". £30 [ref: SG1] | | 
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above: detail of Sydney Granville autograph |
| Sydney Granville - 1880-1959, British baritone; he joined the D'Oyly Opera Company in 1907, initially in the chorus, later becoming one of their most famous artists, singing lyric baritone roles including: Counsel (Trial By Jury), Samuel (Pirates of Penzance), Pish-Tush (The Mikado), Strephon (Iolanthe) and Luiz (The Gondoliers). He later sang heavier baritone roles including Pooh-Bah (The Mikado), Private Willis (Iolanthe), Sergeant of Police (Pirates of Penzance) and King Hildebrand (Princess Ida) - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Parkslee postcard showing him as Cox in Cox and Box, signed: "All good wishes, Sydney Granville". £30 [ref: SG2] | |
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above: detail of Sydney Granville autograph |
| Sydney Granville - 1880-1959, British baritone; he joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1907, initially in the chorus, later becoming one of their most famous artists, singing baritone roles including: Counsel (Trial By Jury), Samuel (Pirates of Penzance), Pish-Tush (The Mikado) and Luiz (The Gondoliers). He later sang heavier baritone roles including Pooh-Bah (The Mikado), Private Willis (Iolanthe), Sergeant of Police (The Pirates of Penzance) and King Hildebrand (Princess Ida) - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Parkslee postcard showing him as Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, signed: "Yours sincerely, Sydney Granville". £30 [ref: SG3] | |
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above: detail of Sydney Granville autograph |
| Sydney Granville - 1880-1959, British baritone. He joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1907, initially in the chorus, later becoming one of their most famous artists, singing baritone roles including Counsel in Trial By Jury, Samuel in The Pirates of Penzance, Pish-Tush in The Mikado and Luiz in The Gondoliers. He leter sang heavier baritone roles including Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, Private Willis in Iolanthe, Sergeant of Police in The Pirates of Penzance, and King Hildebrand in Princess Ida - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Parkslee postcard, signed "Yours sincerely, Sydney Granville". £30 [ref: SG4] | |
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above: detail of Denyce Graves autograph |
| Denyce Graves - born 1964, American mezzo-soprano. In 1995 she made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Carmen, the role for which she has become world-famous, returning for Delilah, and she sang the Lord's Prayer at President Ford's funeral, and also sang at President G.W. Bush's second inauguration. Her repertoire is large, and includes Charlotte in Werther, Dorabella, Cherubino, Adalgisa, Judith in Bluebeard's Castle, Suzuki, Octavian, Ulrica and Amneris - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo, signed "Vielen Dank für deiner freundlichkeit, Denyce Graves". £20 | |
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above: detail of Josef Greindl autograph |
| Josef Greindl - 1912-1993, German bass who made his debut at Krefeld as Hunding, then sang with Berlin Staatsoper. He made his Bayreuth debut in 1943 as Pogner, and sang regularly there for the next two decades; he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as King Henry in 1952, and his Covent Garden debut as Hans Sachs in 1963. His repertory included Boris, Rocco, Osmin, Philip II, the Commendatore, King Mark and Sarastro- 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo showing him as Don Alfonso in Cosi Fan Tutte, firmly signed in blue biro. Condition: slight wear to corners. £20 [ref: JG1] | |
| Josef Greindl - 1912-1993, German bass who made his debut at Krefeld as Hunding, then sang with Berlin Staatsoper. He made his Bayreuth debut in 1943 as Pogner, and sang regularly there for the next two decades; he made his Met debut as King Henry in 1952, and his Covent Garden debut as Hans Sachs in 1963. His repertory included Boris, Rocco, Osmin, Philip, Commendatore, King Mark and Sarastro - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo showing him as Wanderer in Siegfried. £30 [ref: JG2] | | 
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| Donald Grobe - 1929-1986, American lyric tenor who sang at the Deutche Oper Berlin during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. He made his debut at Chicago as Borsa in Rigoletto. He sang Froh in Das Rheingold at the Met in 1968, and created the role of Wilhelm in Henze's opera Der junge Lord. He was Aschenbach in the German premiere of Britten's Death in Venice - 3.5 x 5 inches (9 x 13 cm) autographed photo, signed "Hertzliebst! Donald Grose". £15 | | 
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George Grossmith - 1847-1912, British singer, actor, composer, writer and comedian; best remembered for creating nine leading characters in the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, including Sir Joseph Porter (HMS Pinafore), the Major-General (Pirates of Penzance), KoKo (The Mikado) and Jack Point (The Yeomen of the Guard). In the 1890s he was hugely famous as a performer of his own songs, and for writing the comic novel The Diary of a Nobody in collaboration with his brother Weedon Grossmith - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed postcard, signed by him: "Yours faithfully Geo: Grossmith". A lovely and scarce item. £160 N.B. Not to be confused with his actor son, George Grossmith junior | | 
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above: detail of George Grossmith autograph | | | | | |
| Edita Gruberova - 1946-2021, Slovak soprano; in 1970 she made her debut at the Vienna Staatsoper as the Queen of the Night, the role in which she made her Glyndebourne debut in 1974 and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1977, and within a few years had established herself as one of the world's leading coloratura sopranos. She made her Covent Garden debut as Giulietta in Bellini's I Capuletti e i Montecchi in 1974; her other roles included Zerbinetta, Lucia, Gilda, Violetta, Oscar, Manon and Donna Anna, most of which she recorded - 7 x 5 inches (18 x 13 cm) autographed informal photo. £25 [ref: EG1]
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| Edita Gruberova - 1946-2021, Slovakian soprano. In 1970 she made her debut at the Vienna Staatsoper as the Queen of the Night, the role in which she made her Glyndebourne debut in 1974, and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1977. Within a few years she had established herself as one of the world's leading coloratura sopranos. She made her Covent Garden debut as Giulietta in Bellini's I Capuletti e i Montecchi in 1974; her other roles included Zerbinetta, Lucia, Gilda, Violetta, Oscar, Manon and Donna Anna, most of which she recorded - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed record company publicity card, signed: "Edita Gruberova 4.5.2004". £25 [ref: EG2] | | 
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above: detail of Edita Gruberova autograph |
| Edita Gruberova - 1946-2021, Slovakian soprano. In 1970 she made her debut at the Vienna Staatsoper as the Queen of the Night, the role with which she made her Glyndebourne debut in 1974, and her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1977. Within a few years she had established herself as one of the world's leading coloratura sopranos. She made her Covent Garden debut as Giulietta in Bellini's I Capuletti e i Montecchi in 1974; her other roles included Zerbinetta, Lucia, Gilda, Violetta, Oscar, Manon and Donna Anna, most of which she recorded - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo. £30 [ref: EG3] | |
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above: detail of Elizabeth Grümmer autograph |
| Elizabeth Grümmer - 1911-1986, German soprano. She studied in Aachen, and made her debut there in 1940 as First Flowermaiden in Parsifal and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier. During the Second World War she sang at Duisburg, moving to Berlin Staatsoper in 1946, where she stayed until her retirement in 1972. She sang Ellen Orford in the first Berlin performance of Peter Grimes, and sang Eva in Die Meistersinger at Covent Garden and Bayreuth. In 1967 she sang Elsa at the Metropolitan Opera, and the Marschallin at New York City Opera. She had a beautiful voice of great beauty with clear diction, and had an illustrious career as a recitalist as well as in opera - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Liebst, Elizabeth Grümmer". £40 | |
Hilde Güden - 1917-1988, Austrian soprano who initially sang operetta at the Vienna Volksoper, then made her operatic debut in 1939 as Cherubino at Zurich. From 1941 she sang at the Munich Staatsoper where she played Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier at the invitation of Richard Strauss. She made her Covent Garden debut in 1947, returning in 1956 to sing Gilda, the role with which she made her Met debut in 1951. In subsequent seasons she was a huge favourite there, singing Susanna, Zdenka (Arabella), Mimi, Michaela, and she was the Anne Truelove in the USA premiere of The Rake's Progress in 1953 - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Decca publicity card, signed in red marker-pen. £35 [ref: HG1]
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above: detail of Hilde Güden autograph |
| Hilde Güden - 1917-1988, Austrian soprano who initially sang operetta at the Vienna Volksoper, then made her operatic debut in 1939 as Cherubino at Zurich. From 1941 she sang at the Munich Staatsoper where she played Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier at the invitation of Richard Strauss. She made her Covent Garden debut in 1947, returning in 1956 to sing Gilda, the role with which she had made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1951. In subsequent seasons she was a huge favourite there, singing Susanna, Zdenka (Arabella), Mimi, Michaela, and she was Anne Truelove in the USA premiere of The Rake's Progress in 1953 - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Decca publicity card, signed in blue marker-pen. £35 [ref: HG2] | |
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above: detail of Giangiacomo Guelfi autograph |
| Giangiacomo Guelfi - 1924-2012, Italian baritone who studied with the legendary Titta Ruffo. He made his debut at La Scala Milan in 1952, going on to perform in Venice, Florence, Lisbon, Naples and Covent Garden, and making his Metroplolitan Opera debut in 1970. He was best known for his Verdi and Puccini roles including Nabucco, Attila, Macbeth, Di Luna, Amonasro, Scarpia and Don Carlos in La Forza del Destino. His Jack Rance in La Fanciulla del West was particularly admired, and he recorded the role opposite Renata Tebaldi - 7.25 x 9.5 inches (18.5 x 24 cm)autographed photo, signed: 'Giangiacomo Guelfi "CARMEN" Arena di Verona 1965'. Condition: surface-sreasing top right. £40 [ref: GG1] | |
Giangiacomo Guelfi - 1924-2012, Italian baritone who studied with the legendary Titta Ruffo. He made his debut in 1952 at La Scala Milan, going on to perform in Venice, Florence, Lisbon, Naples and Covent Garden, and he made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1970. He was best known for his Verdi and Puccini roles including Nabucco, Attila, Macbeth, Di Luna, Amonasro, Scarpia and Don Carlos (Forza del Destino). His Jack Rance (Fanciulla del West) was particularly admired, and he recorded the role opposite Renata Tebaldi - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Giangiacomo Guelfi, La Scala, 1957". Condition: creasing and wear to all four corners. £35 [ref: GG2] | | 
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| Nancy Gustafson - born 1956, American soprano, particularly noted for her Katya Kabanova, Arabella, Ellen Orford (Peter Grimes) and Tatyana. she has sung at all of the world's major opera houses; her first major engagement was as Marguerite in Faust for Chicago Lyric Opera, and she made her debut at La Scala Milan as Eva. A regular at the Vienna Staatsoper and the Met, she has recently added the roles of Strauss' Salome and The Marschallin to her repertoire - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo, showing her as Gounod's Juliette, nicely signed in black marker-pen. £25 [ref: NG1] | | 
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above: detail of Nancy Gustafson autograph |
| Nancy Gustafson - born 1956, American soprano, particularly noted for her Katya Kabanova, Arabella, Ellen Orford (Peter Grimes) and Tatyana. She has sung at all of the world's major opera houses; her first major engagement was as Marguerite in Faust for Chicago Lyric Opera, and she made her debut at La Scala Milan as Eva. A regular at the Vienna Staatsoper and the Met, she has recently added the roles of Strauss' Salome and the Marschallin to her repertoire - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo, showing her as Rusalka, nicely signed in gold marker-pen. £25 [ref: NG2] | |
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above: detail of Nancy Gustafson autograph |
| Nancy Gustafson - born 1956, American soprano, particularly noted for her Katya Kabanova, Arabella, Ellen Orford and Tatyana. She has sung at all of the world's major opera houses. Her first engagement was as Marguerite in Faust for Chicago Lyric Opera, and she made her debut at La Scala Milan as Eva. A regular artist at the Vienna Staatsoper and the Metropolitan Opera, she has recently added the roles of Salome and the Marschallin to her repertoire - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo showing her in costume, perhaps as Tatyana, nicely signed in gold ink. £25 [ref: NG3] | |
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above: detail of Jerry Hadley autograph |
Jerry Hadley - 1952-2007, American tenor. A superb performer, he played Broadway musical roles, as well as being one of the very finest operatic tenors of his day. He frequently performed at all of the world's major opera houses, including the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala Milan and the Vienna State Opera. Initially he was known for Mozart and Donizetti roles including Nemorino, Ernesto, Arturo, Tamino and Don Ottavio, as well as Rossini's Count Almaviva. Later he moved to heavier roles including Rodolfo, Pinkerton, Werther, the Duke of Mantua, Faust and Hoffmann. He was a highly intelligent singer, with an glorious voice and an excellent technique, but who sadly committed suicide at the age of 55. - 3.5 x 5.5 inches autographed photo, signed in firm blue biro. £25 [N.B. Blue biro often doesn't scan well. As is so often the case on this website, this blue biro autograph is in reality darker and clearer than shows up on these scans] | |
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above: detail of Ernst Haefliger autograph |
| Ernst Haefliger - 1919-2007, Swiss tenor. He started his career during WW2 singing oratorio solos in Switzerland, then after the war studied singing in Vienna with Julius Patzak, and in 1949 made his international debut as Terasias in Carl Orff's opera Antigonae, and the same year was First Armed Man in The Magic Flute under Wilhelm Furtwangler. In 1952 he joined the Deutsche Oper Berlin, singing numerous lyric tenor roles including roles in The Barber of Seville, Count Ory, Pfitzner's Palestrina, and The Bartered Bride, although his short and solid physique meant that he tended to be cast in character, rather than romantic, roles. He was a very intelligent singer with a voice of great beauty and with an excellent technique, and he made numerous oratorio and opera recordings; in later years he was a noted singing teacher in Munich, and gave masterclasses worldwide. [His son is Andreas Haefliger, the concert pianist] - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £25 | |
| Hakon Hagegard - born 1945, Swedish baritone who made a speciality of singing Papageno, a role that he played in Ingmar Bergman's 1975 film of The Magic Flute. He sang the Count (Capriccio), Guglielmo and Mozart's Count at ROH Covent Garden, and he was a favourite at the Met where he sang Rossini's Figaro, Malatesta, Eisenstein and Wolfram. Other roles include Onegin, Don Giovanni, and more recently Ford, Rigoletto and Pelleas - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo. £35 | | 
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above: detail of Robert Hale autgraph |
Robert Hale - born 1938, American bass-baritone. He is particularly noted for Wagner roles, including the Dutchman, and Wotan/The Wanderer. He has performed at all of the major opera houses, including Covent Garden, La Scala Milan, Vienna Opera House and the Met. As well as opera, he has performed and recorded solos in many oratorios, and in recent years has had a notable concert rareer - 4.25 x 6 inches (11 x 15 cm) autographed photo, signed : "Herzliebst, Robert Hale". £18 N.B. Not to be confused with Robert Hale, British actor (1974-1940). | |
| Julia Hamari - born 1942, Hungarian mezzo-soprano, best known as a contralto soloist in oratorios and cantatas by Bach. At Stuttgart she sang Carmen, and ahe made her Met debut in 1983 as Rosina in The Barber of Seville - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo signed in firm blue biro - autograph is nicer than shows up on scan. £20 | | 
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| Joan Hammond - 1912-1996, Australian soprano whose recording of Puccini's O Mio Babino Caro was one of the best-selling recordings of the 1940s - autograph on 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) yellow card, signed: "with best wishes, Joan Hammond". £15 | | 
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| | Thomas Hampson - born 1955, American baritone, whose large repertoire includes Rossini's Figaro (the role with which he made his Covent Garden debut in 1993), Guglielmo, the Count, Posa, Malatesta, Marcello and Don Giovanni. At the Met he is a regular performer, including singing the role of Werther in the baritone version which Massenet composed for Battistini, and with Amfortas, Scarpia and Posa he has started moving into heavier roles. He has made a huge number of recordings, and in recitals makes a speciality of Mahler lieder and songs by American composers such as Charles Ives - 8 x 9 inches (20 x 22.5 cm) large autographed photo, signed in black ink. £35 [ref: TH1] | |
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above: detail of Thomas Hampson autograph |
Thomas Hampson - born 1955, American baritone, whose large repertoire includes Rossini's Figaro (the role with which he made his Covent Garden debut in 1993), Guglielmo, the Count, Posa, Malatesta, Marcello and Don Giovanni. At the Met he is a regular performer, including singing the role of Werther in the baritone version which Massenet composed for Battistini, and with Amfortas, Scarpia and Posa he has started moving into heavier roles. He has made a huge number of recordings, and in recitals makes a speciality of Mahler lieder and songs by American composers such as Charles Ives - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed EMI photocard, signed in black marker pen. £25 [ref: TH2]
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| Frieda Hempel - 1885-1955, German soprano - she made her professional debut in 1903 as Mrs. Ford in Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor at the Berlin Königliche Oper, and her Covent Garden debut in 1905 in a double bill as Mozart's Bastienne and Humperdinck's Gretel. Her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1912 in Les Huguenots marked the beginning of an illustrious seven year career with the company, and saw her settle in the U.S.A., eventually becoming a U.S. citizen. After 1919 she became a concert singer, and made many recordings. - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (8.5 x 14 cm) autographed photo. £75 | | 
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above: detail of Roy Henderson autograph |
| Roy Henderson - 1899-2000, British (Scottish) baritone with a vast repertoire. He was famous on the concert platform for Delius (The Mass of Life, Sea Drift), Vaughan Williams (Sea Symphony, Serenade to Music, Five Tudor Portraits) and Oratorio (Elijah, St. Matthew Passion); and in opera at Covent Garden (Donner, Kothner, The Herald) and at Glyndebourne in Mozart Roles (The Count, Papageno, Guglielmo, Massetto) - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed postcard, signed bottom right in dark blue ink. Condition: silvering of image along top, right and bottom edges. £25 | |
Barbara Hendricks - born 1948, American soprano - 5.5 x 7 inches (14 x 18 cm) autographed photo, signed: "best wishes, Barbara Hendricks". £25
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above: detail of autograph |
Ben Heppner - born 1956, Canadian operatic tenor. After winning the Birgit Nilsson Prize in 1988, he sang Bacchus in Melbourne, Lohengrin in Stockholm and San Francisco, and in 1990 made his debuts at La Scala Milan and Covent Garden, both as Walther in Die Meistersinger, returning to London in 1995 for a memorable Peter Grimes. In 1992 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Laca (Jenufa), and whilst in the early 2000s he had vocal problems which seemed to threaten his career, he later returned to New York for a sensational Tristan. He has recorded much of his repertoire, including Calaf, Chenier, Walther, Grimes, Florestan, Erik and Tristan - 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) autographed photo, signed in gold ink. £20 [ref: BH1]
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above: detail of Ben Heppner autograph |
Ben Heppner - born 1956; Canadian operatic tenor. After winning the Birgit Nilsson Prize in 1988, he sang Bacchus in Melbourne, Lohengrin in Stockholm and San Francisco, and in 1990 made his debuts at La Scala Milan and Covent Garden as Walther in Die Meistersinger, returning to London in 1995 for a memorable Peter Grimes. In 1992 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Laca (Jenufa), and whilst in the early 2000s he had vocal problems which seemed to threaten his singing career, he returned there for a sensational Tristan. He has recorded much of his repertoire including Calaf, Chenier, Walther, Grimes, Tristan, Florestan and Erik - 4 x 5 inches (10 x 12.5 cm) autographed photo, signed in silver ink, showing him as Walther von Storzing at San Francisco Opera. £20 [ref: BH2] | |
| Evelyn Herlitzius - born 1963, German soprano. In 2002 she sang Brunnhilde at Bayreuth, and in 2006 and 2007 she sang Kundry there. She has sung throughout Europe, particularly for the Vienna Staatsoper, and her roles include Isolde, Katya Kabanova, Leonore in Fidelio and Maria in Wozzeck - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo, nicely signed in black marker-pen. £20 | | 
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| Ruth Hesse - born 1936, German mezzo-soprano who spent the majority of her career with Deutche Oper Berlin, singing, amongst other roles, Carmen, Eboli, Fricka, Herodias, Mistress Quickly and Clytemnestra. From 1966 she regularly sang at the Vienna state Opera where her roles included Ortrud, Brangane and Eboli, and in 1969 she made her Covent Garden debut as the Nurse in Die Frau Ohne Shatten - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo. £15 | | 
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Jean Hindmarsh - born 1932, British soprano, best known for her Gilbert and Sullivan principal soprano roles for the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, including the title roles in Princess Ida and Patience, Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Elsie in The Yeomen of the Guard and Gianetta in The Gondoliers - autograph on 4.5 x 3.75 inches (11.5 x 9.5 cm) pink page from autograph book, nicely signed in blue-black ink. SOLD
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above: detail of Jean Hindmarsh autograph |
| Jean Hindmarsh - born 1932, British soprano. She was the runner-up in the first Kathleen Ferrier Competition in 1955, and joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1956, singing principal soprano roles, including the title roles in Princess Ida and Patience, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Elsie in The Yeomen of the Guard and Gianetta in The Gondoliers - autograph in red biro on 3.25 x 2 inches (8.5 x 5 cm) pale orange card, stuck to illustration from magazine or opera programme, showing her as Princess Ida. £15 | |
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above: detail of Grace Hoffman autograph |
| Grace Hoffman - 1921-2008, American mezzo-soprano. After starting her professional career in Germany and Italy in the early 1950s she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1958 as Brangäne in Tristan and Isolde. She made numerous appearances at La Scalla Milan and Covent Garden, Bayreuth and the Vienna Staatsoper. Her repertoire included Verdi, most notably Eboli, and Wagner, including Kundry. After retiring from singing she taught singing in Stuttgart - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo, signed: "- Liebe, Grace Hoffman". Condition: slight surface-crease bottom left. £25 | |
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above: detail of Ludwig Hofmann autograph |
| Ludwig Hofmann - 1895-1964, German bass, whose large vocal range enabled him to sing heldenbaritone, as well as bass, roles. He sang at Bayreuth from 1928-1942, and was a regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera, where he frequently sang with Lauritz Melchior as Hagen, King Marke and Pizarro. After the Second World War he sang at the Vienna Staatsoper and at Covent Garden - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo, showing him as King Marke. £60 | |
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above: detail of Ilse Hollweg autograph |
| Ilse Hollweg - 1922-1990, German coloratura soprano - she started her professional career in small German opera houses, and in 1950 sang the roles of Konstanze and Zerbinetta at Glyndebourne. She appeared at Salzburg, and at Bayreuth sang the role of the Forest Bird in Siegfried. She sang at many of Europe's opera houses, including La Scala Milan and Covent Garden - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo on thin card, signed in blue biro. Condition: light surface-creasing along right edge. £20 | |
| Elisabeth Hongen - 1906-1997, German contralto; singing Ortrud, Fricka, Erda, Lady Macbeth, Eboli, Amneris and Carmen at Vienna State Opera, ROH Covent Garden, Salzburg and the Metropolitan Opera New York - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed photo showing her in Wagner's Rienzi. £40 | | 
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above: detail of autograph | | | | | |
Ann Hood - 1940-2000, British soprano; she sang with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company where her Gilbert and Sullivan roles included Josephine (HMS Pinafore), Elsie (The Yeomen of the Guard), Patience, Rose Maybud (Ruddigore) and Gianetta (The Gondoliers). For Sadlers Wells Opera she sang a number of roles including Gilda (Rigoletto) and Fiordilligi (Cosi Fan Tutte) - autograph on 4.5 x 3.75 inches (11.5 x 9.5 cm) page from autograph book, nicely signed in blue biro. £10 [ref: AH1]
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above: detail of Ann Hood autograph |
| Ann Hood - 1940-2000, British soprano; she sang with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company where her roles included Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Elsie Maynard in The Yeomen of the Guard, Patience, Rose maybud in Ruddigore, and Gianetta in The Gondoliers. For Sadlers Wells Opera she sang a number of roles including Gilda in Rigoletto and Fiodilligi in Cosi Fan Tutte - autograph on fragment from letter or autograph book, mounted on a pink card and attached to a 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) white postcard, with a photo snipped from a programme or magazine attached. There are fragments of paper on the reverse of this item where item has been glued into an album. £10 [ref: AH2] | |
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above: detail of Hans Hotter autograph |
| Hans Hotter - 1909-2003, German bass-baritone. He was one of the greatest Wagner singers of all time, unbeatable as Wotan and the Dutchman; with a large repertoire, he sang at all of world's major opera houses and concert halls, making his Covent Garden debut in 1947 as Mozart's Count and Don Giovanni, returning for Hans Sachs, which he initially sang in English! At the Metropolitan Opera and at Bayreuth he sang Sachs, the Dutchman and Wotan for many years. He was also among the greatest interpreters of German lieder - 4 x 6 inches (10.5 x 15 cm) autographed photo, firmly signed in blue biro. £35 - [ref: HH5] | |
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above: detail of Hans Hotter autograph |
| Hans Hotter - 1909-2003, German bass-baritone. He was one of the greatest Wagner singers of all time, unbeatable as Wotan and the Dutchman; with a large repertoire, he sang at all of the world's major opera houses, making his Covent Garden debut in 1947 as Mozart's Count and Don Giovanni, returning for Hans Sachs (which he sang in English!). At the Metropolitan Opera and at Bayreuth he sang Sachs, the Dutchman and Wotan for many years. He was also among the greatest interpreters of German lieder - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed Fayer photo dating from the 1940s; lovely autograph and photo. £50 [ref: HH3] | |
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above: detail of Hans Hotter autograph |
| Hans Hotter - 1909-2003, German bass-baritone. He was one of the greatest Wagner singers of all time, and was unbeatable as Wotan and the Dutchman. He made his Covent Garden debut in 1947 as Mozart's Count and Don Giovanni, and at the Metropolitan Opera and Bayreuth he sang Sachs, the Dutchman and Wotan for many years. He was also noted for his singing of German lieder - 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm) autographed record-company publicity card, dating from the 1960s. £40 [ref: HH4] | |
| Hans Hotter - 1909-2003, German bass-baritone, one of the greatest Wagner singers of all time, unbeatable as Wotan and the Dutchman; with a large repertoire he sang at all of the world's major opera houses, making his ROH Covent Garden debut in 1947 as Mozart's Count and Don Giovanni, returning for Hans Sachs which he first sang in English! At the Met and Bayreuth he sang Sachs, the Dutchman and Wotan for many years. He was also highly regarded as a lieder singer - autograph on 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10 cm) blue card. £25 [ref: HH2] | | 
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| Gwynne Howell - born 1938, British (Welsh) bass, who frequently sang atthe Royal Opera House and English National Opera, a fine Hans Sachs, Padre Guardiano, Philip II, Ferrando, Sarastro and Sparafucile - 5 x 7 inches (12.5 x 18 cm) autographed photo. £20 | | 
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Anne Howells - born 1941, British mezzo-soprano. She was a member of the Royal Opera for many years, making her Covent Garden debut in 1967 as Flora in La Traviata; her other roles there included Despina, Cherubino and Zerlina. Her Metropolitan Opera debut was as Octavian in 1985 - autograph on 6 x 4 inches (15 x 10 cm) coloured page from autograph book, signed: "To Peter, Anne Howells". Autograph comes with an unsigned 4 x 6 inches photo of her] £12 | | 
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above: detail of David Hughes autograph |
| David Hughes - 1925-1972, British pop singer, who then trained as an operatic tenor. He had a heart-attack on stage at the London Coliseum whilst singing Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, and died the following day - 4.75 x 6.5 inches (12 x 16.5 cm) autographed photo, signed: "Nice to meet you, David Hughes" in deeply-indented biro, clearer than is shown on these scans. £20 | |
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above: detail of Keith Ikaia-Purdy autograph |
| Keith Ikaia-Purdy - born 1958, American (Hawaii) tenor. For Vienna Staatsoper he has sung Rodolfo in La Boheme, The Italian Singer in Der Rosenkavalier, and Enrico in The Sicilian Vespers. In other German and Austrian opera houses, particularly for Dresden Opera, his roles include the title role in Verdi's Don Carlo, Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Carlo in I Masnadieri - 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) autographed photo. £15 | |
| Luigi Infantino - 1921-1991, Italian tenor who performed Lyric/Spinto roles in Parma (Rodolpho), La Scala Milan (Nadir, Ramiro), Naples, Bologna and New York City Opera (Alfredo, The Duke of Mantua, Pinkerton, Don Ottavio). He made concert tours of Britain and Australia, and made a number of recordings - autograph on 5.5 x 3.5 inches 14 x 9 cm) page from autograph book. £15 | | 
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