Maestro Toscanini, the Uncompromising Perfectionist

March 25 (1867) is the birthday of Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957), Italian conductor and one of the greatest musical interpreters of all time. No way will this writer part with one old CD collection of this brilliant musician nicknamed "old man" who continued conducting into his nineties, ever intense and dedicated to his art.

Incidentally, the 25^th of March is also the birthday of Bela Bartok, the famous Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist. He will be separately highlighted. Toscanini is 14 years older than Bartok.

At the age of nine, Toscanini became a student at the Parma Conservatory, and started as a cellist, performing Giuseppe Verdi's premiere of Otello in 1887. As a conductor, he made his debut at the age of 19 with the performance of Verdi's Aida, from memory and at few minutes' notice. Immediately, Toscanini established himself practically appearing in leading opera houses. He was best known for his interpretations of Verdi, Puccini, Wagner and Richard Strauss.

He was three times appointed conductor at La Scala, between the years 1898 and 1929. His other appointments included at the Met Opera, New York (1908-1921). Appointed to conduct New York Philharmonic Orchestra, players expected the worst of his bad temper he was renowned for, and they had it. While famous for conducting from memory, he was equally known for his terrible temper that he was called "Toscanono" because of his shouts of "no, no, no, no!" He broke more batons, able to spot an incorrect movement of the bow at 10 yards and other foul instrument sounds.

His last years were spent with the National Broadcasting Company Symphony Orchestra (1937-1953), specifically created for him. He gave the last performance of his life at the age of 87.

Arturo Toscanini was a consummate perfectionist in every turn. For his brilliance, dedication and discipline, he is a legend in his time and he had immense public following although he refused to conduct in countries with Nazi following. His interpretations influenced younger prominent conductors.

Related Links:

Giuseppe Verdi's Opera Aida

Toscanini Online

Fine Music Till Dawn