Description

Description: Renowned Italian operatic composer Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945) energetically wrote in pencil and signed this brief inscription in Italian: “To Mrs. Metzger wonderful artist Vienna May 1901 P. Mascagni”. The “Mrs. Metzger” Mascagni refers to is probably Ottilie Metzger-Lattermann (1878-1943), the famous German contralto known for her performances of Wagner’s works in the 1910’s, who tragically perished in Auschwitz under the Nazi regime.

Pietro Mascagni is credited with single-handedly ushering in the Verismo movement in Italian dramatic music with his wildly successful masterpiece, Cavalleria Rusticana (1890). He enjoyed incredible fame composing and conducting his own work and that of other musicians during his lifetime. Some of his other operas, L’amico Fritz (1891) and Iris (1898), are still part of the European repertoire.

Framed with a program for Cavalleria Rusticana, as well as, what appears to be an illustration for the program. Framed to: 11 3/8″ x 18 5/8″. Mat window for autograph note: 2 1/4″ x 3 3/4″. Item #A01203

Condition: Very good condition (not examined out of the frame).