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4.0 out of 5 stars
Verdi highlights, October 21, 2003
This review is from: Arturo Toscanini Conducts Giuseppe Verdi (Audio CD)
This is a sampling of the music of Verdi from various recordings by Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Toscanini was long associated with Verdi and his music, going back to his conducting debut in 1887 in Rio De Janeiro, when he was only 19. At that time, Toscanini substituted on short notice for the regular conductor in a performance of "Aida." At the very end of his career, in June 1954, Toscanini conducted sections of "Aida" and "Un ballo in maschera," to fix portions of the broadcast performances for commercial release. This collection gives one a chance to hear some of the best Verdi performances conducted by Toscanini. In particular, one can hear the excellent singing of soprano Licia Albanese and tenor Jan Peerce, who enjoyed such a very fine working relationship with the Maestro. The sound, of course, varies in these recordings, some of which were taken from NBC broadcasts in Studio 8-H. Beginning in the fall of 1950, Toscanini and the NBC Symphony performed and recorded in Carnegie Hall, but most of these recordings are from Studio 8-H, known for rather dry acoustics, even after some modifications about 1939. Nevertheless, it's wonderfult to hear the work of a legendary conductor who knew, and even worked with, the great Verdi (1813-1901).
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