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Arthur Endres Kraeckmann (1893-1975) was a renowned 20
In 1921 Kraeckmann decided to pursue singing fulltime and began studying in France at the American Academy at Fontainebleau. He made his opera debut at the Nice Opera House in Don Giovanni in 1925. Kraeckmann went on to appear at the Grand Opera
Note: Although the Library of Congress Authority lists Kraeckmann's date of death as 1976, obituaries and
This Collection is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.
Collection is arranged chronologically.
Consists of handwritten correspondence from Arthur Kraeckmann to Mabel Louise Ruehe, a close, personal friend and a fellow graduate of the University of Illinois, dated from 1915-1924. Also consists of one undated photograph of Mabel Louise Ruehe and a graduation announcement for Waukegan High School Class of 1906. Some correspondence contains concert and recital programs attended by Kraeckmann, newspaper clippings, and photographs. The correspondence documents Kraeckmann's early work as a farmer, his increasing desire to become a professional singer, and his eventual fulltime study of music in France. Of particular interest among the correspondence are letters documenting Kraeckmann's attendance of concerts performed by important musicians of the day, including Enrico Caruso, Amelia Galli-Curci, Rachmaninoff, and Harold Bauer. The letters also document Kraeckmann's time in France studying with the famous tenor Jean de Reszke.