Renato Fasano

Renato Fasano (August 21, 1902 – August 3, 1979), Italian conductor and musicologist particularly associated with 18th-century Italian works. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Fasano and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1978 / All-Vivaldi Program at Lincoln Center / Nov. 5, 1978 / "I Virtuosi di Roma" / Renato Fasano, Director and Conductor."

Having studied music in his native Naples, Fasano established in 1947 the chamber orchestra Collegium Musicum Italicum later renamed 'I Virtuosi di Roma.' This small orchestra helped popularize Italian Baroque music. He conducted widely in Europe works by such composers as Corelli, Vivaldi,Pergolesi, Baldassarre Galuppi, Alessandro Marcello, and Giovanni Paisiello. In addition, he founded the 'Piccolo Teatro Musicale Italiano' in 1957.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.