Toscanini, Arturo. (1867–1957) [Gara, Emmerich. (1901–1963)]
Original Photograph with Signature
Original 14 x 11 inch photograph by renowned musical photographer Emmerich Gara, showing Toscanini conducting. Nicely mounted with a fine, bold fountain pen signature of the conductor in red ink measuring nearly 4" long. Silvering around photograph edges and a number of significant surface nicks and abrasions to the surface, both pieces fully layed down to board within the matting. 20 x 22.5 inches overall.Born in Vienna, Austria in 1901, Gara established lifelong careers as a portrait photographer and professional cellist. Before the outbreak of the Second World War he and his wife emigrated to the United States, where he was hired as cellist for the NBC Orchestra led by Arturo Toscanini. He performed with the orchestra (later called The Symphony of the Air) until his death.
From his seat in the front row of the orchestra Gara was in the unique position to photograph all the great conductors and soloists who appeared with the orchestra during this extraordinary period of musical activity. His subjects were captured in performance, rehearsal, and in candid moments during recordings and while socializing.
Gara's action portraits were used for record covers, for the Book of the Month Club and in articles in Time, Life and other major magazines around the world.
(1039)Signed Photograph Classical Music