Toscanini, Arturo. (1867–1957)
Unusual Framed Quotation
A highly unusual autograph quotation, boldly penned and signed ("Arturo Toscanini. 16-4-1908 Milano") by the great Maestro. In Italian: "La musica alla portata di tutto emana sempre un cattivo odore: l'odore della gente minuta, della gente volgare." [Music for everyone (popular music) emits always a bad odor: the odor of tiny people, of vulgar people.]This is a fascinating reworking and translation of a phrase by Nietzsche which appears in "Beyond Good and Evil," where the word "Music" appears instead as "Books." The great philosopher writes there: "Books for everybody are always foul-smelling books: the smell of small people clings to them. Where the people eat and drink and worship, there is usually a stink. One should not go to church if one wants to breathe pure air."
Quote measures 10 X 16 cm, and is matted with a nice photograph and framed to 32 X 44 cm overall. (3280)
Autograph Letter Opera