De Luca, Giuseppe. (1876-1950) Large Signed Photograph

De Luca, Giuseppe. (1876-1950)

Large Signed Photograph

Magnificent oversized photograph, 10 x 14 inches, signed and inscribed on the A. Laviosa studio, Waldorf-Astoria hotel, New York mount by the supreme Italian baritone.

A personal portrait, warm and informal, with intentional sharp focus of the facial features and painterly soft-focus elsewhere, the style favored by Laviosa. Dated November, 1946 in New York in his own penmanship and inscribed in his hand “To my Dear Dear friend Lester Hodges with cordial remembrance” and bold signature of De Luca. Lester Hodges was a classical music compiler, conductor and performer who accompanied De Luca, John Charles Thomas, Gladys Swarthout and other famous singers on piano both live and in recording. From the estate of classical singer Stanley Brightwell (1921 – 2010) a protégé of Lester Hodges. Small chips to two corners and bottom-center of the mount, else fine.

One of the leading Bel Canto singers of the century, he created several important roles including Michonnet in "Adriana Levouvreur," Paquero in "Goyescas," the title role of "Gianni Schicci," and Sharpless in "Madama Butterfly. " Among his students was the great Leonard Warren. (9373)

Signed Photograph Opera