Opera Pioneer: Gatti-Casazzas Historic Moment, 1915-1920

The image titled Gatti Casazza dates back to the years between 1915 and 1920 and showcases a significant figure in the world of opera. Gatti-Casazza, whose full name was Giulio Gatti-Casazza, served as the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City for nearly two decades, from 1908 until 1935. He played a pivotal role in transforming the Met into a premier opera house, known for its innovative productions and famous performers. Under his leadership, the Metropolitan Opera saw the introduction of numerous masterpieces and increased its national and international influence.

This photograph is a glass negative, a common format for capturing images during that time. The use of glass negatives allowed for detailed, high-quality images, a hallmark of the innovations in photography from the early 20th century. Gatti-Casazzas era was characterized by significant changes in both technology and art, reflecting a time when opera began to reach wider audiences. The Bain News Service, responsible for this image, was instrumental in documenting cultural and societal events through photography, helping to preserve the visual history of notable individuals like Gatti-Casazza. The image stands as a testament to the evolution of opera and the key figures who helped shape its legacy.