the collection of the Arturo Toscanini

ON NOVEMBER 28th, Sotheby’s London raises the baton on the collection of the late conductor Arturo Toscanini - Italian maestro and virtuoso performer, who was the greatest conductor of the 20th century. Comprising 88 lots, and entitled Important manuscripts, letters and memorabilia from the family of Arturo Toscanini, the single-owner sale is estimated to realise in excess of £1million. 

It will feature such important pieces as a Giuseppe Verdi Autograph Manuscript, Containing Three Early Drafts for the Opening of ‘Falstaff ’(est.£80,000-100,000) ; his Autograph Manuscript of the ‘Ave Maria’ for Chorus, from the Quattro Pezzi Sacri (est. £80,000-100,000) and a Felix Mendelssohn Autograph Manuscript Full Score of the Overture ‘Die Schöne Melusine’, op.32 (est. £400,000-600,000). 

Stephen Roe, Sotheby’s Worldwide Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts, commented: “The Toscanini collection – through which we can reconstruct the trajectory of his career – is of overwhelming significance. Its items were acquired by Toscanini either directly from the composers, their families and his friends. Thus it is the case that many of the finest items have never been offered for sale on the market.’