Evan Gorga (1865–1957)

Evan Gorga (1865–1957), whose collection forms the core of Rome&s;s Museo nazionale degli strumenti musicali , is a unique figure among Italian collectors of musical instruments; yet, the troubled history of both collector and collection is still largely unexplored. Using primary research, the present contribution aims at bringing this notable gap. Firstly, it reconstructs Gorga&s;s formation as a musical-instrument technician, and discusses the genesis of his collecting activity. It then focuses on the musical-instrument collection and its tormented relationships with the public and institutional spheres, starting as early as 1911, and concluding with the foundation of the Museo nazionale (1974).