Fleta, Miguel. (1897–1938) Signed Photograph

Fleta, Miguel. (1897–1938)

Signed Photograph

Elusive signed photograph of the Spanish tenor. Despite his short stage career, lasting from 1919 to 1935, Fleta has been described as one of the most significant Iberian opera singers of the 20th century. Among the important international venues at which he sang were La Scala, Milan, (in 1923-26) and the New York Metropolitan Opera (in 1923-25). Additionally, in 1926, he had the honour of creating the role of Calaf in Puccini's posthumously-premiered final opera, Turandot, at the insistence of La Scala's principal conductor, Arturo Toscanini. Fleta therefore became the first to sing Nessun Dorma, one of the best known tenor arias in the history of opera.

Rare vintage signed postcard photograph depicting Fleta standing in a three quarter length pose. Photograph by Schlattman of Mexico. Signed by Fleta in bold dark fountain pen ink with his name alone to a light area of the background. A couple of light smudges affecting a small part of the signature and a light diagonal crease across the image. Autographs of Fleta are rare following his untimely death at the age of 45 from kidney disease. (8541)

Signed Photograph Opera