Description
The Fragale collection consists
primarily of scores and recordings, and secondarily of programs, photographs, articles and
materials on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde's libretto.
Background
Frank Fragale (1894-1955), a native of Sciara , Italy, received his music education at the
Bellini conservatory in Palermo. He continued his studies in New York with Julius Gold, a
teacher he felt very indebted to. In 1915 he joined the San Francisco Symphony and Opera as
a bass-clarinetist. He combined a performing and composing career. His most important
compositions were the Fantasia for cello and piano which won him an honorary recognition at
the Third International G. B. Viotti Competition, and his opera Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,
with a libretto by W. Erich. The opera was premiered in 1953 at the Berkeley Garfield
Theater with Earl Bernard Murray and Marsden Argall as conductors of the orchestra and
chorus. The performers were volunteers from the Berkeley Opera Workshop and the local
Musicians Union.
Availability
Property rights reside with repository. Publication and reproduction rights reside with the
creators or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the
Head Librarian of the Archive of Recorded Sound.