Description This is an exceptional combined cultural and musical lot, bringing together two of the most significant mid-20th-century publications issued by Reader’s Digest in Italy. The set offers a rare glimpse into the musical taste, historical awareness and domestic aesthetic of the Italian middle class during the 1960s–70s. The lot includes: 1. “13 Pearls of Opera” – a major operatic anthology featuring world-class singers and conductors, on 10 LPs; 2. “La Leggenda del Tricolore” – a complete historical set with 12×45 rpm records, illustrated book and original promotional inserts. Together they form a coherent and highly evocative portrait of Italian culture: opera, patriotism, history and domestic publishing. ------ see info below Italia in Musica – “13 Perle del Melodramma” (10 LP) + “La Leggenda del Tricolore” (12×45 giri + libro + inserti originali) – Reader’s Digest – Lotto culturale anni ’60–’70 --- Descrizione del lotto Proponiamo un lotto unico e di grande fascino storico-musicale, composto da due tra le opere editoriali più rappresentative della produzione Reader’s Digest del Dopoguerra: 1. “13 Perle del Melodramma” – antologia lirica di livello internazionale, con interpreti e direttori storici; 2. “La Leggenda del Tricolore” – cofanetto dedicato alla storia d’Italia, con 12 dischi 45 giri, libro illustrato e materiali editoriali originali. Un insieme che racconta la cultura e la sensibilità della borghesia italiana degli anni ’60–’70, tra opera, memoria nazionale e collezionismo musicale. --- 1) “13 Perle del Melodramma” – 10 LP Una raccolta curatissima, con 13 opere presentate in sezioni dedicate, schede interne, cast, trame e note editoriali. Interpreti di primo piano Tra i nomi presenti: Giuseppe Di Stefano Renata Tebaldi Robert Merrill Richard Tucker Leonard Warren Leonie Rysanek Leontyne Price Zinka Milanov Jussi Björling Birgit Nilsson Jon Vickers Tito Gobbi Giorgio Tozzi Roberta Peters Lisa Della Casa Direttori d’orchestra prestigiosi Le incisioni provengono da esecuzioni dirette da: Erich Leinsdorf Tullio Serafin Fernando Previtali Arturo Basile Kurt Adler e altri. Inserti e copertine interni in ottimo stato. --- 2) “La Leggenda del Tricolore” – 12×45 giri + libro + materiali originali Un cofanetto che ripercorre i momenti fondamentali della storia italiana: Risorgimento, Grandi Guerre, Inni patriottici, Alpini, canti popolari e molto altro. Contenuto completo 12 dischi 45 giri originali Libro illustrato a colori Catalogo Reader’s Digest dell’epoca Lettera originale di accompagnamento (“Congratulazioni! Lei si è assicurato uno dei pochi esemplari…”) Due biglietti Lotteria Italia anni ’80, ritrovati nel cofanetto (non parte dell’opera ma affascinante testimonianza domestica dell’epoca) Dettaglio di pregio Nel disco dedicato al Risorgimento compaiono brani diretti da Franco Ferrara, direttore amatissimo e ricercato, la cui presenza aggiunge interesse collezionistico. Inserti, libro e contenuti interni in ottimo stato — solo il cofanetto presenta i normali segni del tempo. --- Condizioni Vinili complessivamente in buone/ottime condizioni. Copertine e inserti interni: in ottimo stato. Cofanetti esterni: presenti normali segni d’età e conservazione. --- Perché questo lotto è speciale Unisce in modo armonioso: la tradizione lirica italiana con interpreti storici, la memoria patriottica e culturale del Tricolore, materiali editoriali originali, completi e molto ben conservati, l’atmosfera autentica delle case borghesi italiane del tempo. Un’occasione rara per collezionisti, studiosi, appassionati di opera e storia d’Italia. Italy in Music – “13 Pearls of Opera” (10 LP) + “La Leggenda del Tricolore” (12×45 rpm, book & original inserts) – Reader’s Digest – Cultural Italian Lot, 1960s–70s --- Description This is an exceptional combined cultural and musical lot, bringing together two of the most significant mid-20th-century publications issued by Reader’s Digest in Italy. The set offers a rare glimpse into the musical taste, historical awareness and domestic aesthetic of the Italian middle class during the 1960s–70s. The lot includes: 1. “13 Pearls of Opera” – a major operatic anthology featuring world-class singers and conductors, on 10 LPs; 2. “La Leggenda del Tricolore” – a complete historical set with 12×45 rpm records, illustrated book and original promotional inserts. Together they form a coherent and highly evocative portrait of Italian culture: opera, patriotism, history and domestic publishing. --- 1) “13 Pearls of Opera” – 10 LP A beautifully curated anthology containing selections from thirteen operas, each accompanied by synopses, cast information and editorial notes. Featured singers A remarkable line-up including: Giuseppe Di Stefano Renata Tebaldi Robert Merrill Richard Tucker Leonard Warren Leontyne Price Zinka Milanov Jussi Björling Birgit Nilsson Jon Vickers Tito Gobbi Giorgio Tozzi Roberta Peters Lisa Della Casa Conductors Selections conducted by: Erich Leinsdorf Tullio Serafin Fernando Previtali Arturo Basile Kurt Adler and others of comparable standing. Inner sleeves and inserts are in excellent condition. Only the outer box shows normal ageing. --- 2) “La Leggenda del Tricolore” – 12×45 rpm + illustrated book + original inserts A complete set dedicated to Italian national history: the Risorgimento, patriotic songs, Verdi as national symbol, the Great War, colonial campaigns and traditional popular music. Contents 12 original 45 rpm records Original illustrated book with full-colour plates Period Reader’s Digest catalogue Original promotional letter (“Congratulations! You are among the few selected…”) Two authentic “Lotteria Italia” tickets from the 1980s, found inside the set – not part of the publication, but a charming domestic detail. Important note – Franco Ferrara The section dedicated to the Risorgimento includes recordings conducted by Franco Ferrara, one of the most respected Italian conductors of his generation and highly sought-after today. This significantly enhances the collector’s value of the set. Inner materials, book and sleeves are in excellent condition – only the outer box shows typical signs of age. --- Condition Vinyl: generally in very good to excellent condition. Inner sleeves, inserts, booklet: excellent. Outer boxes: normal signs of age and shelf wear. --- Why this lot is special The combination of a major operatic anthology and a complete patriotic-historical set makes this a particularly meaningful ensemble. It offers: the golden age of Italian opera with outstanding performers, the historical and cultural memory of modern Italy, original documentation from Reader’s Digest, excellent preservation of inner materials, the authentic atmosphere of mid-century Italian domestic culture. A rare opportunity for collectors of opera, Italian history, vintage publishing and cultural memorabilia.