Tucker, Richard, 1913-1975 - Vocalist - tenor - Lionel -
A person is shown from the chest up against a neutral background. They wear a dark, structured jacket over a light-colored cravat tied into a prominent bow with a dark polka-dot pattern. The individual has dark, wavy hair with long sideburns and defined eyebrows. Text at the bottom of the frame identifies the subject as Richard Tucker in the role of Lionel for the production "Martha."
State University of New York at Buffalo. Music Library
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Ferruccio Tagliavini as Faust in Mefistofole
Tagliavini, Ferruccio, 1913- - Vocalist - tenor - Faust (Mefistofele) -
A person wearing a patterned tunic, a feathered hat, and a long cape stands center stage with a sword belted to their waist. They are dressed in tights and ankle boots, positioned in front of a painted theatrical backdrop depicting a landscape with trees. The scene is presented in black and white, and the individual is looking towards the side.
Ravinia Festival Pavilion (Highland Park, Il.) - Building - - -
Chicago (Ill.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
An audience occupies rows of seating within a large, roofed amphitheater that has open sides showing trees. The focus is on a brightly lit stage where an orchestra is seated around a grand piano. The structure features a gridded ceiling and supports visible along the perimeter.
Traubel, Helen - Vocalist - soprano - Isolde - Has inscription
This black and white portrait captures a person from the shoulders up with a light-colored, shiny fabric draped over their head. The person has dark hair pulled back and wears dark lipstick while looking upward and away from the camera. A signature is written across the fabric on the right side, and a serial number is printed in the bottom left corner.
Eugen, Keith - Vocalist - bass - Sarastro -
Lewis, Richard, 1914- - Vocalist - tenor - Tamino
Morison, Elsie - Vocalist - soprano - Pamina
Act 1 (l. to r.): Pamina, Sarastro, Tamino
A theatrical stage set includes multiple tall, vertical columns with various markings on their surfaces. Numerous people in stylized costumes stand at different heights across the stage, many wearing long white robes. A single person in a dark, draped garment is positioned in the center foreground. A plain, light-colored background is visible behind the structure and performers.
A group of people in period dress are positioned across a theatrical stage designed to look like a stone courtyard. The set features high walls made of large blocks, an arched doorway with a patterned gate, and square window-like openings. Some individuals stand in conversational groupings in the foreground while others are positioned further back near the stone structures.
Pons, Lily, 1898-1976 - Vocalist - soprano - Violetta - Has inscription
A black and white portrait shows a person wearing an off-the-shoulder gown, opera gloves, a jeweled tiara, and a necklace. The gown features floral accents on the shoulders and skirt, with a large brooch centered on the bodice. Handwriting and the text "TRAVIATA" are superimposed over the lower portion of the person's attire.
Windgassen, Wolfgang - Vocalist - tenor - Tannhauser -
Three individuals in long robes are positioned on a stage floor featuring a light-colored botanical pattern. The person in the foreground wears a dark coat and stands with their head tilted back and arms outstretched while two others in hooded robes stand in the background. High-contrast lighting creates long shadows across the floor from each person.
Stern, Isaac, 1920- - Instrumentalist - violin - -
A person wearing a dark suit and tie plays a violin in a black and white setting. They hold the instrument under their chin while drawing a bow across the strings. Behind them, an ornate clock stands against a light-colored wall and casts a shadow to the right.
Tourel, Jennie - Vocalist - mezzo-soprano - - Has inscription
A person sits at a small table in a cafe, resting their face on white-gloved hands. On the table are two cups on saucers and an ashtray with a lit cigarette. The background contains a long counter filled with glassware, containers, and lamps under several pendant lights.
Tebaldi, Renata - Vocalist - soprano - Leonora di Vargas -
A theatrical stage features two individuals in period dress standing at the base of two symmetrical staircases. Behind the stairs, a tall ornate structure rises against a dark background. Elaborate frames and high-backed chairs are positioned on either side of the main stage area.
Gedda, Nicolai - Vocalist - tenor - Faust (Faust) -
A person in formal wear is shown from the chest up against a light, neutral background. They wear a dark jacket over a white shirt featuring a high, layered collar and ruffled cuffs, with a prominent ring on one finger. Their dark hair is styled in waves, and they have dark makeup around their eyes.
Motley's (Elizabeth Montgomery) sketch for Lady Harriet's costume in Martha, Act I, scene 1
Act 1, scene 1 -- Motley's sketch for Lady Harriet's costume
This costume design sketch depicts a person on a swing wearing a large gown with floral patterns and a dark belt. The person has their hair styled up with floral accents and holds onto the ropes of the swing. Handwritten text to the right lists materials like violet net and lace ruffles, while a separate hat is sketched in the lower-left corner.
Oistrakh, David Fedorovich, 1908-1974 - Instrumentalist - violin - -
A person is shown from the shoulders up against a neutral background in a black and white format. The individual has dark, slicked-back hair and wears a light-colored collared shirt, a dark patterned tie, and a heavy textured coat. Lighting from the side creates shadows across one side of the face.
Angeles, Victoria de los - Vocalist - soprano - Manon (Manon) -
A person stands against a light background wearing a period-style gown and an ornate, light-colored wig styled with curls and pearls. The gown features a floral pattern on the bodice and skirt, with tiered lace ruffles on the sleeves and a necklace of dark gemstones. They hold a folded fan near their waist while looking toward the viewer.
Covent Garden program for Romeo et Juliette (1893)
Souvenir from the State Performance in 1898
This document commemorates a state performance at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, in honor of a royal marriage on July 4, 1893. The top half features seven individuals in oval frames amidst elaborate illustrations of crowns, leaves, and coats of arms. The bottom half contains text detailing the production of the opera Romeo et Juliette and listing the cast of performers.
Reverse: Conductor, Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam
Guest conductor for the Cleveland Orchestra
A person stands behind a music stand with open sheet music, conducting with a baton in their right hand. Their left arm is raised with the index finger pointing upward. The foreground shows the back of another person and the scroll of a stringed instrument, all set against a dark background in a black and white format.
Schwarzkopf, Elisabeth - Vocalist - soprano - Fiordiligi -
A person in a detailed period costume sits on a theatrical set wearing a dark, ruffled gown and a light-colored wig with a crown accessory. The person's hand is near a bell on a pedestal table that also holds a mirror. The background consists of a stone column and vertically striped curtains.
Schoeffler, Paul - Vocalist - baritone - Baron Scarpia - Has inscription
A person in historical theatrical attire is depicted from the waist up against a neutral, dark background. They wear a white, textured wig and a dark jacket with beaded trim over a voluminous, white ruffled cravat and a jeweled cross medallion. The individual faces to the right, and a handwritten signature appears in the upper-right corner.
Four performers in historical-style costumes stand on a stage featuring stylized, two-dimensional building sets. Two individuals on the left wear long skirts and head coverings, while two others wear structured coats and hats. Several performers have their mouths open while standing in a line across the center of the stage.
Della Casa, Lisa - Vocalist - soprano - Arabella -
A person stands wearing a floor-length gown featuring a ruffled neckline and a voluminous, layered skirt. They are adorned with a necklace, large drop earrings, and bracelets on both wrists. The person's hair is styled in an updo, and they look toward the upper right side of the frame against a neutral background.
Kapell, William, 1922-1953 - Instrumentalist - piano - - Has inscription
A person in formal attire is seated at a grand piano with the lid open. This black and white composition shows the individual looking down at the keyboard with a handwritten inscription on the wall behind them. The inscription reads, "To Warren Perry, with best wishes from William Kapell 5/14/52."
Schweitzer, Albert, 1875-1965 - Instrumentalist - organ - - Has inscription
A monochromatic scene depicts two individuals in a room with dark wooden paneling and several tapered organ pipes. One person wears a suit and holds the top of a pipe, while the other person stands beside them wearing a long dark coat. The base of the image includes a wide border with handwritten signatures.
Paray, Paul, 1886- - Conductor - - - Has inscription
A person with short hair and light eyes is shown from the chest up, looking toward the left. They are wearing a suit jacket, a collared shirt, and a tie. Handwritten cursive text in dark ink is inscribed across the lower left side of the frame. The background is dark and out of focus.
This scene displays an elaborate stage set for a performance of "La Favorita" in an outdoor arena at night. A large group of people in costume stands on the main stage before a structure with multiple domes, pointed arches, and a central circular window design. In the foreground, an orchestra performs in a brightly lit pit situated below the stage level. Text in the bottom right corner labels the setting as Arena di Verona.
Di Stefano, Giuseppe, 1921- - Vocalist - tenor - Riccardo - Has inscription
A person wearing an ornate historical costume stands in a centrally framed position. The outfit includes a light-colored jacket with lace trim, a wide white collar, a cape, and a sash across the torso. The person has dark hair, a mustache, and a goatee, with their gaze directed downward. Behind them, two high-backed chairs are positioned in a dark space, and blue handwriting is at the bottom of the frame.
Singher, Martial - Vocalist - baritone - Golaud -
This black and white portrait shows a person wearing a dark, multi-layered costume against a plain, light background. The individual has dark, chin-length hair, a mustache, and a pointed beard. Their garment features draped fabric over the shoulders and layers of pointed, leaf-like fringe along the sleeves and torso.
Del Monaco, Mario, 1915- - Vocalist - tenor - Samson -
Stevens, Risë, 1913- - Vocalist - mezzo-soprano - Dalila
Tozzi, Giorgio - Vocalist - bass - Old Hebrew
A theatrical cast in various costumes stands and sits on a tiered stage set against a wide, plain backdrop. In the foreground, an individual in a dark gown with a long, flower-adorned train stands near two people on the right dressed in a tunic and a long robe. A group in light-colored dresses is arranged across the middle steps, while others in robes and hats are seated on the upper platforms.
Venice (Italy) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
The interior of a grand theater features five levels of curved seating boxes overlooking a main floor filled with rows of chairs. A large chandelier hangs from a decorative, frescoed dome ceiling above the auditorium. Intricate carvings and small light fixtures adorn the balcony fronts throughout the space.
Elias, Rosalind - Vocalist - mezzo-soprano - Nancy -
A person stands with hands on hips wearing a floral-patterned gown with puffed sleeves and dark trim. Their hair is gathered in an updo decorated with flowers. They wear a necklace with pendant drops and earrings. Text at the bottom left identifies the subject as Rosalind Elias in the role of Nancy for "Martha".
Der Ring des Nibelungen. Siegfried, Act I, forging of the sword
Svanholm, Set - Vocalist - tenor - Siegfried -
A jagged, angular cave interior serves as a stage set, featuring large rock-like structures and a central opening that reveals a bright, leafy tree. On the left, a person in a short tunic stands on a rocky platform and holds a hanging rope, while a second person with long hair sits on the right near a dark anvil. The monochromatic scene uses sharp lighting to define the rough textures of the cave walls and the background foliage.
Baum, Kurt, 1900-1989 - Vocalist - tenor - Radames - Has inscription
A person with wavy hair wears an elaborate, jeweled collar with fringe and matching metallic wrist cuffs. They hold a decorated sword hilt across their torso while wearing a wide belt with a central relief emblem. A blue ink inscription and signature are present in the top right corner.
Frederick Dalberg as Landgraf Hermann in Tannhauser
Dalberg, Fred - Vocalist - bass - Hermann -
A person is shown from the chest up, wearing theatrical attire and an ornate crown with diamond patterns and fleur-de-lis points. The individual has light-colored hair, a mustache, and a pointed beard. Their clothing includes a high, textured collar and a garment with horizontal metallic bands across the chest. The scene is presented in black and white with a dark, solid background.
Anderson, Marian, 1897-1993 - Vocalist - contralto - -
This black and white portrait features a person with dark, wavy hair facing forward from the chest up. The individual wears an open-front garment with ornate floral embroidery and decorative borders. A solid black background creates a high contrast with the subject's features and the light-colored patterns on the clothing.
Steber, Eleanor - Vocalist - soprano - Fiordiligi - Has inscription
A person stands in a studio setting wearing a ruffled dress with a lace-up bodice and a small hat. They hold an open parasol with ruffled edges behind their head and look toward the side. Handwritten cursive text reading "Cordial greetings, Eleanor Steber" is inscribed across the lower portion of the frame.
Heifetz, Jascha, 1901- - Instrumentalist - violin - - Has inscription
Bey, Emmanuel - Instrumentalist - piano -
This black and white scene features a person in formal attire holding a violin and bow in a playing position. Another person sits at a piano to the right, with their hands resting on the keyboard. A red handwritten signature is present in the upper right corner, and a watermark is visible across the center.
Giardino di Boboli (Florence, Italy) - Building - - -
Florence (Italy) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
This black and white scene features a wide, open area leading to a terraced grassy hill. A central statue of a winged horse stands above a stone basin, with additional statues and small square hedges positioned along paths on the slope. Tall, dense trees frame the sides and crest of the hill under a light sky.
Nilsson, Birgit - Vocalist - soprano - Brunnhilde -
Schoeffler, Paul - Vocalist - baritone - Wotan
Two performers in draped costumes stand on a stage featuring a sloped ramp and rocky textures. One person in the foreground wears a long robe and holds a large wooden staff, while a second person wearing a crown and cape stands in the background on an incline. The black and white scene is illuminated with high-contrast lighting against a dark backdrop.
Warren, Leonard, 1911-1960 - Vocalist - baritone - Amonasro - Has inscription
A person stands in a three-quarter profile wearing a multi-layered, patterned costume that includes a cape and wide decorative wrist cuffs. They have short, curly light hair and a small beard, and their face features theatrical makeup. A handwritten signature is positioned on the left side of the frame. The background is neutral with a shadow cast to the left.
Picchi, Mirto - Vocalist - tenor - Tom Rakewell - Has inscription
A person in a period-style white shirt with a lace jabot and ruffles looks at a hanging birdcage containing a small bird. The ornate metal birdcage is suspended from a decorative stand in front of a backdrop with rectangular panels. A dark ink signature is written across the torso of the person in the black and white scene.
Borkh, Inge - Vocalist - soprano - Lady Macbeth - Has inscription
Weede, Robert - Vocalist - baritone - MacbethHas inscription
This black and white theatrical scene depicts a large group of people in robes and tunics positioned around a long table on a stage. Several tall, dark pillars rise toward the ceiling, while geometric shadows are cast across the back wall. Two white cursive signatures are present on the image, one in the top right and another in the bottom left.
A person in formal attire, including a dark jacket, white waistcoat, and glasses, is positioned against a solid black background. They hold a thin white baton in their right hand, which is elevated above their head. Their left arm is also raised with the hand held near their forehead. The scene is captured in black and white.
Rosanna Carteri as Zerlina with Rolando Panerai as Masetto
Carteri, Rosanna - Vocalist - soprano - Zerlina - Has inscription
Panerai, Rolando - Vocalist - bass - Masetto
Two people in period-style costumes stand together in front of a dark architectural doorway. One person wears a dark jacket with many buttons and a necktie, while the other wears a gown with ruffled sleeves and a square neckline. They are holding hands, and a signature is written across the lower right area.
Royal Opera House (London, England) - Building - - -
London (England) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
A black and white interior features a high-ceilinged room with an ornate crystal chandelier hanging from a decorative ceiling rose. Two large framed paintings and floral wall moldings decorate the walls, while an intricate metal railing curves around a staircase landing. A floral arrangement on a pedestal stands beside a tall mirror that reflects a staircase.
An illuminated operatic stage at the Arena di Verona features a large architectural set under a dark night sky. The set includes multiple domes, arches, and stairways where various costumed performers are positioned. In the foreground, an orchestra is visible in a pit below the main performance area. Text in the bottom right corner identifies the location as Arena di Verona and the production as La Favorita.
Güden, Hilde - Vocalist - soprano - Gilda - Has inscription
This black and white portrait features a person looking toward the upper left with their hands held near their chest. The individual is wearing a dark beret and a dark coat over a garment with a ruffled white collar. To the right, handwritten text reads "With best wishes Hilde Gueden" against a background of ornate architectural patterns.
Audience seated in this area -- Taken from stage
A long stone building with numerous windows and a central portico overlooks a wide, light-colored courtyard. The foreground features a grassy slope with low-lying bushes and statues, while a dense city and mountain range are visible in the background.
Spivakovsky, Tossy, 1907- - Instrumentalist - violin - -
A person in formal wear plays a violin against a backdrop of dramatic studio lighting. The individual is dressed in a dark suit with a white bow tie, holding the instrument's bow against the strings. Handwritten text in the upper left corner is signed by Tossy Spivakovsky and dated 1952. The black and white composition features sharp angular shadows in the background.
Kempe, Rudolf, 1910-1976 - Conductor - - - Has inscription
A person in formal evening wear looks toward the side against a light background. The individual has dark, wavy hair and wears a white bowtie. A signature is visible in the top left corner, and a studio logo is located in the bottom right corner.
Teatro Colón (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - Building - - -
Buenos Aires (Argentina) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
This grand hall displays neoclassical architectural elements including large, fluted columns with decorative capitals. A mezzanine level is lined with stone balustrades and sits below ornate friezes and high, arched structural details. In the foreground and background, wide staircases with curved railings are visible amidst the elaborate carvings and moldings that decorate the interior.
Guarrera, Frank, 1923- - Vocalist - baritone - Escamillo - Has inscription
This person is dressed in a heavily embroidered jacket and dark trousers, posing with a sword held upright. A long, dark, reflective cape is held in their other hand and spreads out onto the ground. The background is plain, and a blue ink signature dated 1952 is written across the right side.
Berry, Walter - Vocalist - bass-baritone - Figaro (Nozze di Figaro) - Has inscription
Schwarzkopf, Elisabeth - Vocalist - soprano - Countess AlmavivaHas inscription
Streich, Rita, 1920- - Vocalist - soprano - Susanna (Nozze di Figaro)
Wächter, Eberhard - Vocalist - baritone - Count Almaviva (Nozze di Figaro)
Watson, Chester - Vocalist - bass - Bartolo (Nozze di Figaro)
Act 2 (l. to r.): Schwarzkopf, Streich, Watson, Berry, Waechter -- Scenic production & design: Gerald Ritholz.
This theatrical production shows five people in historical attire on a stage adorned with elaborate white architectural structures and several pieces of furniture. A large chandelier hangs from the ceiling over the performers, who are arranged across the stage from a chaise lounge on the left to windowed facades on the right. The entire scene is enclosed within an ornate, scrolled border.
Giannini, Dusolina, 1902-1986 - Vocalist - soprano - - Has inscription
A person stands wearing a long dark gown with a white ruffled collar and wide, flared cuffs. The front of the dress contains a vertical white strip accented with black bows, and the person's hair is parted in the middle and pulled back. They are positioned on a patterned rug against a neutral backdrop with their head tilted slightly upward.
Angeles, Victoria de los - Vocalist - soprano - Lady Harriet -
Act 1, scene 1: Harriet with Corps de Ballet
A black and white theatrical scene depicts several people in elaborate historical costumes on a stage. One individual in a light-colored dress stands with arms raised in the center, flanked by others in striped and patterned attire. The set includes a large wire dome structure on the left and a tall frame on the right, positioned before a painted backdrop of a rolling landscape under a dark, cloudy sky.
Bing, Rudolf, Sir, 1902- - Person (other) - Manager - - Has inscription
A person is shown from the chest up in a black and white portrait, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and dark tie. The individual has a receding hairline and is looking toward the right side of the frame. A handwritten signature is visible on the right, and a name is printed in the bottom right corner.
Schmitt-Walter, Karl, 1900- - Vocalist - baritone - Beckmesser -
Wiener, Otto - Vocalist - baritone - Hans Sachs
Several performers are positioned on a stone-paved ground under a dark sky with foliage in the background. In the foreground, one person wears a long robe and holds two flat wooden objects, while another wears a dark tunic and tights and holds a long-necked stringed instrument. Other figures wearing light-colored clothing and caps are visible in the background.
Homer, Louise, 1871-1947 - Vocalist - contralto - - Has inscription
Signed: Homeland, 1927 -- Obtained from collection of Orchestra Hall, Chicago
A person with short wavy hair is shown from the shoulders up, facing forward against a dark background. They wear a double-strand pearl necklace over a dark garment. A handwritten signature in the bottom right corner reads "Sincerely yours, Louise Homer."
Fiedler, Arthur, 1894-1979 - Conductor - - - Has inscription
Signed: 1956 -- Reverse: Guest conductor, 75th Anniversary Season, 1955-56 -- Reverse stamped: Berkshire Festival, Boston Symphony Orchestra
A person with short hair and a mustache is depicted from the side, wearing a dark suit jacket and white collared shirt. They hold a thin baton in one hand over a set of musical scores, while their other hand rests on the bottom edge of the paper. Handwritten white text appears on the right side of the dark background, containing a signed message to Dr. J. Warren Perry dated 1956.
Bergonzi, Carlo - Vocalist - tenor - Don Jose - Has inscription
A person is shown from the waist up wearing a ceremonial military-style uniform with fringed epaulettes and horizontal stripes across the chest. One hand is gloved in white and holds the hilt of a sword. The subject has short dark hair and faces slightly away from the camera against a neutral background with handwritten script in the upper left.
Fedora Barbieri as Adalgisa with Anita Cerquetti as Norma
Barbieri, Fedora - Vocalist - mezzo-soprano - Adalgisa -
Cerquetti, Anita - Vocalist - sopranorma
A theatrical production features two individuals in floor-length costumes positioned amidst a set of jagged rock-like structures and leafless branches. The person on the left has long dark hair and an open mouth, while the person on the right wears a patterned gown and looks toward the ground. Text in the bottom left corner reads "TEATRO COMUNALE FIRENZE Foto Locchi."
Lipp, Wilma - Vocalist - soprano - Pamina -
A performance is set on a stone stage surrounded by architectural ruins and tall columns. Multiple individuals are positioned across the space, dressed in matching white robes and pointed white headgear. A central pair stands near a stone archway, with one individual wearing a robe featuring a sun-like emblem on the chest.
Güden, Hilde - Vocalist - soprano - Rosalinde -
Peters, Roberta, 1930- - Vocalist - soprano - Adele
Uppman, Theodor, 1920- - Vocalist - baritone - Dr. Falke
A black and white scene features three people on a stage set depicting a decorated interior room. On the right, a person in a ruffled gown stands with their mouth open. In the center, a person wearing a dark suit and a long cape stands near a small table. To the left, a person in a checkered garment and an apron stands behind a tea cart against a backdrop of floral wallpaper and framed portraits.
Edinburgh International Festival - Festival - - -
A formal procession moves along a cobblestone street lined with multi-story stone buildings and spectators. The lead person wears a top hat and a chain of office while carrying a ceremonial mace. Several participants follow in robes, fur-lined capes, or historical military uniforms carrying polearms. Spectators stand along the sidewalk in front of storefronts like Stewart's Arcade and Star Mission.
A group of dancers in white tutus perform on a stage surrounded by gothic-style arches and a raised platform. Numerous figures in various costumes stand on the balcony and at the sides of the stage while the central performers are posed in the middle. The background displays dark, geometric patterns within the arched structures of the set.
Genoa (Italy) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
The interior of a large, semi-circular structure displays significant destruction with missing roof sections and crumbling walls. Multiple levels of uniform, rectangular openings line the interior perimeter, and a single stone arch spans the gap at the top. Piles of rubble, stones, and twisted metal debris are scattered across the floor in the foreground.
Serkin, Rudolf, 1903- - Instrumentalist - piano - - Has inscription
A person in profile is seated at a piano wearing a dark suit and white bowtie. The cursive name "Rudolf Serkin" and date "Nov. 23rd 1953" are inscribed in the center of the frame. The background is a dark gradient, and the subject wears glasses while looking down toward the keys.
Teatro dell'opera (Rome, Italy) - Building - - -
Rome, Italy -- Buildings, structures, etc.
This black and white scene captures the interior of a large, ornate opera house filled with a large audience. In the foreground, an orchestra sits with instruments while a conductor stands on a podium. The seating area includes a crowded main floor and four tiers of balconies arranged in a circular fashion beneath an arched ceiling.
A raised stage depicts an ornate indoor setting with a large central archway and patterned wall panels. On the right side, individuals in period dress are arranged around a long table set for a meal. To the left, a group of musicians in ruff-collared attire sits on the platform with their instruments. Two figures in striped costumes stand at attention on steps leading to the background arch.
Weede, Robert - Vocalist - baritone - Macbeth -
This black and white theatrical scene features a single person standing centrally on a series of wide steps. A large group of individuals wearing robes and head coverings is gathered on the floor to the left. The background is dominated by a large backdrop showing abstract vertical and diagonal shapes.
Thelma Votipka as Marthe Schwerlein in Faust
Votipka, Thelma - Vocalist - mezzo-soprano - Martha Schwerlein - Has inscription
A person is shown from the shoulders up wearing a dark feathered hat and a cape with a large satin bow. The individual has dark curly hair and faces forward. There is red handwritten text in the upper right corner and a signature in the lower right corner.
Royal Festival Hall (London) - Building - - -
The Royal Festival Hall features a large, vertically ribbed facade with its name prominently displayed. In the foreground, two people hold hands while walking across an open space toward the viewer. The area between them and the building is filled with trees, garden beds, and individuals seated on benches.
Berry, Walter - Vocalist - bass-baritone - Guglielmo - Has inscription
A person wears a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap and a light-colored jacket decorated with dark pom-poms and ruffled sleeves. The individual has a thin, upturned mustache and holds one hand near their face with fingers extended horizontally. This black and white portrait includes a handwritten signature across the center and a small logo in the bottom right corner.
Arena (Verona, Italy) - Building - - -
This wide black and white view shows an outdoor amphitheater filled with a large audience under a dark night sky. A lit stage at one end features a detailed architectural set and several groups of performers. Text in the upper right corner identifies the location and year as the Arena di Verona during the 1937 opera season.
Cliburn, Van, 1934 - Instrumentalist - piano - -
A person with wavy hair wears a suit and bow tie while positioned in profile at a piano keyboard. Their hands are placed on the keys against a dark, solid background. This monochromatic composition focuses on the subject's upper body and the front of the instrument.
New York Philharmonic - Ensemble - - -
A large orchestra performs on a wooden stage in a hall featuring decorative wall panels and a large draped curtain. Musicians are arranged in rows, playing various instruments including strings, brass, and percussion. The individuals are dressed in dark formal suits and use music stands to read their scores.
Siepi, Cesare - Vocalist - bass - Don Giovanni -
A person wears a black and white historical costume featuring a ruffled collar and sleeves with dark, zigzag patterned trim. They hold a thin fencing sword horizontally across their chest with both hands. The individual has dark hair with a white streak and a pointed beard. The background is a solid, light color.
William Wildermann as Old Hebrew in Samson and Dalila
Wildermann, William - Vocalist - bass - Old Hebrew - Has inscription
A person in a costume with long white hair and a beard wears a dark turban and a dark, striped robe. Their hands are clasped together at chest level as they look toward the side. Handwritten text and yellow stains are present on the left side of the background.
Ganz, Rudolph, 1877-1972 - Conductor/Instrumentalist - piano - - Has inscription
A black and white studio portrait features a person from the waist up against a dark background wearing a double-breasted suit and tie. Handwritten cursive text across the middle of the frame includes the name Rudolph Ganz and the date 1950. A studio mark reading "BLACKSTONE STUDIOS, Inc" is located in the bottom right corner.
Reverse: Conductor, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
A monochrome profile portrait shows a person facing the left against a neutral background. The person wears a patterned suit jacket with a white pocket square, a light-colored dress shirt, and a dark necktie with a diagonal pattern. Handwritten ink is visible in the upper left corner, while a small copyright mark and the name "CLINEDINST" appear in the bottom right corner.
This black and white theater set depicts a cobbled outdoor platform where two people sit at a small table. The stage is bordered by low lattice fences and includes a large hanging floral arrangement and a bench. Simple line drawings of narrow buildings are visible on the background behind the platform.
Barnett, John, 1917- - Conductor - - -
Reverse: associate conductor Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and guest conductor 1955-56 season.
This black and white studio portrait shows a person from the chest up, positioned at a slight angle while facing the camera. They wear a dark, structured suit jacket with a white pocket square, a light-colored collared shirt, and a patterned necktie. Their dark hair is slicked back and parted to the side, and the background is a solid, light-toned gradient.
Tebaldi, Renata - Vocalist - soprano - Desdemona -
A black and white theatrical stage performance features a large group of people in historical costumes standing between two classical stone archways. At the top of the frame, draped fabric and a central crest are visible above the ensemble. The people in the background carry banners and spears, while several figures in the foreground wear elaborate robes and gowns. A painted backdrop behind the group depicts a cloudy sky.
Lazzari, Virgilio - Vocalist - bass - Archibaldo - Has inscription
A person is shown from the chest up wearing a dark, textured robe with detailed embroidery. They have shoulder-length wavy hair and a long, white, curly beard. Their face is covered in heavy stage makeup, and white handwriting is visible across the lower half of the frame.
This black and white scene depicts a large-scale performance at the Arena di Verona in 1956. Numerous people in costume are distributed across several levels of a vast stage set that includes wide staircases, banners, and statues. An orchestra pit is visible in the foreground, and the tiered stone seating of the arena rises towards the top of the frame against a dark sky.
Madeira, Jean - Vocalist - mezzo-soprano - Carmen - Has inscription
A person with dark hair wears a large flower hairpiece and an ornate lace mantilla. They are dressed in a strapless lace top and large circular earrings while looking downward. Blue ink handwriting is inscribed diagonally across the lower half, and white text in the bottom left corner reads "Maurice Seymour Chicago" and "'Carmen'".
A person in a long dark coat, sash, and boots stands on a stage with an outstretched hand. In the background, a group of people wearing patterned clothing sit or stand near a large architectural set piece. Decorative arches and a candelabra are visible against the dark walls of the performance space.
Callas, Maria, 1923-1977 - Vocalist - soprano - Amina - Has inscription
A person wearing a floor-length gown with three-quarter sleeves is positioned in the center of a stage. The background consists of a rustic wooden structure and a large water wheel against a painted rock setting. Text at the bottom identifies the performer and production, while a handwritten signature is visible across the person's skirt.
Swarthout, Gladys, 1904- - Vocalist - mezzo-soprano - -
This black and white portrait shows a person looking upward and to the side against a solid background. The individual has dark, chin-length hair styled in curls and wears a floral-patterned garment with a geometric necklace, a bracelet, and a brooch. Text at the bottom margin identifies the person as "GLADYS SWARTHOUT, mezzo-soprano" and includes professional contact information.
Ricci, Ruggiero, 1918- - Instrumentalist - violin - -
A person is shown in profile from the chest up, looking down at a violin with their chin on the instrument. One hand is visible holding a bow against the strings. Text at the bottom edge identifies the subject as Ruggiero Ricci and provides agency information for the National Concert and Artists Corporation.
Raisa, Rosa, 1893-1963 - Vocalist - soprano - - Has inscription
A person is shown from the chest up in profile, positioned against a background featuring a soft circular light behind their head. Their dark hair is styled in a bun, and they wear a single pearl earring with a dark wrap over a light-colored garment. A jeweled brooch is visible at the center of the clothing, and handwritten text appears in the bottom right corner.
Conner, Nadine - Vocalist - soprano - Mimi - Has inscription
A person stands in front of a plain backdrop with a large shadow cast on the wall behind them. They wear a dark, long-sleeved dress, a fringed shawl over their shoulders, a striped apron, and high-heeled shoes with crisscross straps. Their right hand is raised, holding a small candle holder with a candle.
A person is shown from the waist up against a plain light background, oriented toward the left. They are dressed in a buttoned cardigan over a collared shirt and tie. One hand holds a thin vertical object while the other arm is extended forward with the hand open and palm down.
Berkshire Music Festival. Shed - Building - - -
Lenox (Mass.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
This black and white aerial view features a large, modern amphitheater with a crescent-shaped dark roof situated in a forested clearing. Numerous people are scattered across a wide grassy lawn in front of the building, which is framed by tall trees in both the foreground and background. A small parking lot containing several cars is located on the right side of the clearing.
Munsel, Patrice, 1925- - Vocalist - soprano - Gilda -
A person stands in front of a plain background wearing a dark period costume consisting of a buttoned doublet with a white collar, fitted trousers, and knee-high boots. They have short hair styled with waves, wear a dark beret, and hold a cloak over one arm. A signature is visible across the bottom of the portrait.
Scott, Norman - Vocalist - bass - Colline - Has inscription
This black and white portrait depicts a person in 19th-century period attire holding a small open book. The individual has light, wavy hair and dark makeup around the eyes, wearing a heavy overcoat and a dark cravat. A photographer's mark is in the bottom left corner, and a handwritten signature is visible in the bottom right.
Sved, Alexander, 1906- - Vocalist - baritone - Count di Luna of Aragon - Has inscription
A person in a detailed stage costume stands in a full-length studio portrait against a neutral background. The attire includes a dark cape, a sequined upper garment, a tunic with a diamond-patterned skirt section, and lace-up boots. Handwritten text in the top left corner contains a dedication signed "Alexander Sved" and dated "New York 1949." The person stands with their arms crossed over their chest and faces toward the side.
Renata Tebaldi as Amelia Grimaldi with Tito Gobbi as Simon Boccanegra
Tebaldi, Renata - Vocalist - soprano - Amelia Grimaldi -
Gobbi, Tito - Vocalist - baritone - Simon Boccanegra
Two people stand together in a dimly lit setting wearing elaborate, historical-style costumes. The person on the left wears a light-colored, long-sleeved garment with embroidery and long earrings while keeping their eyes closed. The person on the right has a beard and wears a dark, patterned tunic while holding the other person's hand.
Glyndebourne Opera House - Building - - -
In East Sussex -- Mansion and backstage buildings of the opera house from the lawns of the south
A sprawling stone estate building sits behind a wide, flat lawn under a sky with large clouds. The structure features various architectural wings with many mullioned windows and stone chimneys, with several tall, narrow evergreen trees planted near its base. Thinly-leaved tree branches frame the right foreground of the scene.
Di Stefano, Giuseppe, 1921- - Vocalist - tenor - Cavaradossi -
Tebaldi, Renata - Vocalist - soprano - Tosca
A large stage set represents an ornate cathedral interior with multiple arches, frescoes, and stone-like architecture. In the center, a decorative metal gate stands before a secondary altar area, while a statue sits in a niche to the right. Two people in costume stand near a wooden scaffolding on the far left.
Brouwenstijn, Gre - Vocalist - soprano - Desdemona - Has inscription
A person stands in the center of a stage wearing an ornate, light-colored gown with an empire waist, long decorated sleeves, and a low neckline. They wear a pearl necklace and a headpiece with a circular ornament above their hair. The background features wide steps and stylized, jagged set pieces. A cursive blue ink inscription covers the lower half of the gown.