Museo Storico e Fonoteca del Conservatorio Arrigo Boito
Museum | Parma | Emilia-Romagna | Italy
The Museo Storico e Fonoteca of the Conservatorio Arrigo Boito in Parma is a significant cultural center that documents the rich history and musical heritage of the institution. It is located in the historical buildings of the conservatory and includes several specialized collections.
Studio of Arturo Toscanini
An outstanding element of the museum is the reconstructed studio of Arturo Toscanini, one of the most important conductors of the 20th century. This studio, originally set up in Toscanini's apartment in Milan, was donated to the conservatory in 1976. It contains an extensive library of about a thousand volumes, including literature, non-fiction books, and musical works that Toscanini had received from fellow musicians. A particular highlight is the Steinway grand piano, a gift from Vladimir Horowitz, as well as various art objects, including portraits and sculptures.
Studio of Arrigo Boito
Another significant exhibit is the studio of Arrigo Boito, a composer and librettist who served as honorary president at the conservatory from 1890 to 1891. This studio, handed over to the conservatory by his heirs in 1984, reflects Boito's diverse literary and musical interests. It includes a library of classical works in various languages, including music literature by Palestrina, Benedetto Marcello, and Beethoven. Additionally, personal notebooks, a piano, and art reproductions are on display. The materials related to Boito's work as a librettist for Giuseppe Verdi's operas "Falstaff" and "Otello" deserve special attention, including annotated Shakespeare editions and original notes.
Collection of historical musical instruments
The museum houses a distinctive collection of historical musical instruments donated by musicians or acquired by the conservatory. Notable exhibits include an 1804 Erard fortepiano, a Maggini double bass, an 18th-century Venetian double bass, and a chromatic harp. In the Sala Merulo, there is also the 16th-century organ by Claudio Merulo.
Painting collection and archive
The museum's painting collection mainly consists of oil paintings gathered through various donations or acquisitions by the conservatory. Additionally, the museum includes a collection of prints and drawings predominantly depicting portraits of musicians. Marble busts of musicians like Arturo Toscanini, Giovanni Rossi, Italo Campanini, Giovanni Bottesini, and Giuseppe Verdi are displayed in the courtyards of the conservatory.
The museum's archive brings together photographs from various donations, including those from Campanini, Sanvitale, Usiglio, Boito, and Toscanini. The collection includes a series of portraits of conservatory students received through Giusto Dacci, Director of the Royal Music School from 1875 to 1888.
Additional collections
In addition to the aforementioned collections, the museum has received donations of stage costumes, medals, paintings, diplomas, and a collection of reviews from various donors. The stamps for music printing from the publisher Tovagliari are also preserved.
The Museo Storico e Fonoteca of the Conservatorio Arrigo Boito is a significant center for music history and research, offering a deep insight into the musical heritage of Parma and beyond.
