Vittorio Furgeri papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: Coll2008-024

Staff Only

Scope and Content of Collection

This collection relates to Furgeri's musical drama, Al-Phonsine, a "rock opera" that revolves around the last few years in the life of young gay man in the early 1980's. The story of Al-Phonsine was inspired by Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata. Al, the main character in Al-Phonsine is the male counterpart to the main character in La Traviata, Violetta. Tuberculosis was the cause of Violetta's death; AIDS is the disease to which Al eventually succumbs. Al-Phonsine is sometimes referred to by the author as Al-Phonsine ( Il Traviato) as a tribute to this inspiration. The collection contains synopses of Al-Phonsine, a full copy of the piano-vocal score, a full copy of the libretto, and two copies of a compact disc recording of musical excerpts.

Dates

Creation: 1994

Creator

Furgeri, Vittorio (Person)

Access

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.

Publication Rights

Researchers wishing to publish materials must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives as the physical owner. Researchers must also obtain clearance from the holder(s) of any copyrights in the materials. Note that ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold the copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials directly from the copyright holder(s).

Biography

Vittorio Furgeri was born in 1931. He received a degree from the Conservatory of Rome in Italy and studied music at Columbia University after immigrating to the United States. He is a composer and arranger, who has also coached students in singing for more than twenty years. Furgeri has published numerous pieces of vocal and instrumental music, in addition to theatrical music compositions, such as the scores for musicals-- Tough Kids (1988) and The Big Store (1991). Furgeri has also written theatrical pieces that incorporate dance; his Trilogy of Poe (1986), Coemeterium (1986) and Impressions on Mozart (1990) are examples. The Scream (1987) is another of Furgeri's works; it is fully orchestrated and based on the painting of the same name by Edvard Munch. Al-Phonsine ( Il Traviato) is his most recent completed work.

Vittorio Furgeri lives and works in New York City.

Source: Vittorio Furgeri Papers, Coll2008-024, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California.

Extent

0.3 Linear Feet (1 archive carton.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains materials on Furgeri's musical drama, Al-Phonsine; including synopses, a full copy of the piano-vocal score, a full copy of the libretto, and two copies of a compact disc recording of musical excerpts, all created and collected by contemporary composer Vittorio Furgeri. The musical drama is inspired by Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata, and depicts a young gay man who becomes one of the first victims of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980's.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Vittorio Furgeri, May 18, 2007.

General Physical Description note

(0.25 linear foot).

Processing Information

Collection processed by Johanna Michael, May 30, 2008.

Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.