Frank Fragale Collection, 1941-1958

Summary

Abstract:

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.

Extent:

11 Linear Feet and (17 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

Frank Fragale Collection, ARS-0007. Courtesy of the Stanford Archive of Recorded Sound, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

The Frank Fragale Collection consists mainly of scores. These are divided in three groups: the opera, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (111 folders), chamber music (61 folders) and orchestral music (21 folders). Most of the materials in the collection relate to his opera, such as the sixteen photographs. Among the libretto materials are versions in English and Italian. The ten programs range from 1941 to 1958. In addition there are twenty-two articles, six reel to reel tapes, fifty-five instantaneous lacquer discs, and five commercial discs documenting Fragale's work.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in seven series: I. Scores. II. Libretto materials. III. Programs. IV. Photographs. V. Articles and newspaper clippings. VI. Miscellaneous documents. VII. Recordings.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Operas

Restrictions:

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.

Preferred citation:

Frank Fragale Collection, ARS-0007. Courtesy of the Stanford Archive of Recorded Sound, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:

Stanford University, Archive of Recorded Sound

Braun Music Center, 541 Lasuen Mall

Stanford, CA 94305-3076, US

Contact:

(650) 723-9312

soundarchive@stanford.edu

Website