Arimondi (Vittorio) Collection, 1884-1954

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Summary

Title:
Vittorio Arimondi Collection
Dates:
1884-1954
Creators:
Arimondi, Vittorio, 1861-1928
Abstract:
Extent:
2 Boxes. 0.5 linear feet.
Language:
Preferred citation:

Vittorio Arimondi Collection. Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library

Background

Scope and content:

This was the personal collection of Vittorio and Aurelia Arimondi, and serves as a record of Arimondi’s career for several decades. It includes personal correspondences, invitations, announcements and photographs. There is also an oversized scrapbook, kept by Arimondi, with press releases, magazine articles and excellent watercolors done by Arimondi. His scrapbook gives a chronological listing of virtually all his public performances. The watercolors in the scrapbook are usually related to the opera in which he was appearing. The collection contains more than 250 items, including an original drawing of Arimondi by his celebrated contemporary, Enrico Caruso, a manuscript penned and autographed by Toscanini, and several signed photographs of well-known opera singers. The collection also contains several letters and cards written to Arimondi and his wife, Aurelia, by many of the most famous singers and musicians at the turn of the century.

Biographical / historical:

Vittorio Arimondi, the famed Italian operatic bass, was born in Saluzzo, Turin, Italy in 1861. He sang in most of the great cities of Europe, including five years with the Imperial Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the late 1800’s, London for five seasons from, 1900-1905, and several seasons in Berlin. In 1910, he became a member of the Chicago Opera Company and remained with them until 1918. After his retirement he and his wife, Aurelia, also an opera singer, taught singing at the Chicago Musical College. He was a contemporary of Enrico Caruso and performed in several operas with him. Some of the roles he was well-known for include Mephisto in “Faust” and Marcel in “The Huguenots”. He kept a scrapbook of his successes beginning with his appearances during the 1898-99 season of the Grand Opera in Russia. Reviews of scores of his performances are represented in several languages, including Italian, Russian, German, English, Romanian, and French. The scrapbook also has many photographs, mostly from newspaper and magazine articles, of Arimondi and other well-known opera singers. In addition to his talent as a singer, Arimondi was an accomplished watercolorist. Many pages of his scrapbook are illuminated by his wonderful paintings. He often portrayed scenes from operasin which he was appearing and also painted the landscapes of the countries he was touring.

Acquisition information:
The collection was purchased by SFMPD in April, 1978

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library staff.
Date Prepared:
1884-1954
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Entire Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Reproduction of these materials can occur only if the copying falls within the provisions of the doctrine of fair use. Copyright varies by item.

Preferred citation:

Vittorio Arimondi Collection. Museum of Performance and Design, Performing Arts Library

Location of this collection:
2200 Jerrold Avenue
Suite T
San Francisco, CA 94124, US
Contact:
4157413531
info@mpdsf.org
Website