GATTI-CASAZZA, GIULIO. (1869-1940). Italian general manager of La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. CS. (“G. Gstti-Casazza”). 1p. Oblong 12mo. (New York), N.d. His signature on a printed card reading “Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc. / Office of the / General Manager.”
Giulio Gatti-Casazza
Born in Italy, the son of a theater manager, Gatti-Casazza followed in his father’s footsteps and managed La Scala for a decade beginning in 1898. In 1908, he took over the management of New York’s Metropolitan Opera where, until his retirement in 1935, he presided over a period of artistic brilliance. It was Gatti-Casazza who brought Arturo Toscanini and Gustav Mahler to the Met, oversaw the world premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West as well as performances by some of the most illustrious performers of the day including Rosa Ponselle, Lily Pons, Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, Maria Jeritza, Amelita Galli-Curci, and Feodor Chaliapin. His achievements and influence landed him on the cover of Time magazine two times.
In extremely fine condition.
