Hidden Gem Toscanini, Arturo. (1867–1957) [catalani, Alfredo. (1854–1893)] "edmea." First Edition Libretto From Toscanini's First Performance In Europe Enjoy 40% Off [jIYqHe9r]

4to. Original brown wrappers printed in red. 51 pp. [PN] 39670. Covers splitting at joints, overall very good. A very rare libretto from the November 4th performance of Catalani's "Edmea" at the Teatro Carignano di Torino, conducted by the unknown 19-year-old Toscanini, making his first performance in Europe.



During the previous summer, Toscanini had made his unanticipated debut as conductor in Rio de Janeiro while touring as principal cello and assistant chorus master of an itinerant Italian opera company. That company included the great tenor Nicolai Figner (1856 - 1919) who, when they returned to Italy, described Toscanini's talents to the publisher Giovannina Lucca, who was then preparing the publication of Catalani's newest work for performance at Teatro Carignano in Turin (in which Figner was to sing). When word reached Figner that Catalani was not pleased with the direction of conductor, Franco Faccio (who had premiered the opera earlier that year at La Scala), he recommended Toscanini. The rest, as they say, is history! (See Filippo Sacchi, "The Magic Baton," p. 61-64)