[Toscanini, Arturo. (1867–1957)]
Toscanini's Hooded Cape
A black hooded cape with red lining, owned and worn by one of the most acclaimed musicians of the late 19th and of the 20th century, renowned for his intensity, his perfectionism, his ear for orchestral detail and sonority, and his photographic memory. He was at various times the music director of La Scala Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Later in his career he was appointed the first music director of the NBC Symphony Orchestra (1937–54), and this led to his becoming a household name (especially in the United States) through his radio and television broadcasts and many recordings of the operatic and symphonic repertoire. The present striking garment comes by descent to his grandson, Walfredo and was acquired by us directly from his Estate. (8997)Ephemera Classical Music