The Printed Music and Recorded Sound collections contain rarities such as printed scores bearing autographs. Among them are copies signed by the well-known composers shortly after their publication . One can find many copies inscribed by the owner. Dedication copis with author's presentation inscription to someone, including the Library, are not infrequent.
Scores and gramophone records donated to the National Library of Russia
The dedication inscription by Alexei Lvov, author of the national anthem God Save the Tsar! and the director of the Court Singing Chapel, reads, 'To Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka in memory of sincere friendship and respect for his high talent from A. Lvov. January 28. 1849'.
The dedication inscription of Modest Mussorgsky on the clavier Ein Kinderscherz (Children's Scherzo) reads, 'To the Imperial Public Library. Modest Mussorgsky. Dec 6, 1873'.
The author's inscription to the composer Sergey Lyapunov reads, 'To dear Sergey Mikhailovich Lyapunov from M. Balakirev. November 10, 1901'.
The luxurious edition is decorated with witty drawings by M. von Fingesten. It was released in a limited-quantity print run, only 120 copies, all copies are numbered by hand by the author. A copy of number 57 is stored in the National Library of Russia.
Strauss and Fingesten's autographs are clearly visible in the photo.
N. Rimsky-Korsakov's Symphony with the author's dedication to the composer A.K. Lyadov. From the collection of Ivan Semenov.
The copy bears a dedicatory inscription to the violoncellist and collector Alexander Streamer. Streamer's Gift to the Library.
Printed Music Collections
Printed Music. Brief Summary
Collections