Benjamin Gigli, Signed Opera Program, Buenos Aires, 1947 (in Concert with Helena Arizmendi). Ephemera

(No publisher credited), Buenos Aires, 1947. Presumed first and only edition. Operatic concert program, signed by tenor Benjamin Gigli (Beniamo Giglli) on the cover. 7 7/8" x 5 1/4", white self-wraps with black imprinting, a six-fold small program. Still bright, moderate soiling, worn at folds, with small tears where folds cross. Close to Very Good; this was used by a patron. The program for a concert in Buenos Aires in 1947, featuring celebrated Italian tenor Benjamin Gigli (1890-1957), with Argentinian soprano Senorita Helena Arizmendi alternating. Cover states venue (Teatro Presidente Alvear); follows with "Concierto de despedida del celebre tenor Benjamin Gigli, a beneficio de la Casa del Teatro"; continues with "con el concurso de la soprano Srta. Helena Arizmendi". Below, the date - "Jueves - 16 de Octobre - 1947 - Buenos Aires". Gigli's (original) signature is above this date on this copy, in fountain pen. The second and third pages describe the two parts of the concert - Primera Parte and Segunda Parte - each of which contains five sections, with the two singers alternating, for a total of ten songs by Gigli and five by Arizmendi. The works are from Martini, Caccini, Grieg, Mozart, Cilea, Mascagni, Flotow, De Curtis, De Crescenso, Cittadini, Guastavino, Ginastera, Halevy, Puccini, and Mascagni, one from each. Fourth page is a brief profile of Gigli, with an apparent expression of gratitude as well. Fifth page is a photographic head shot of Gigli, and the rear cover contains apparent credits. Nice piece of historical operatic ephemera, just post WWII. Lsmeph. …