Arturo Toscanini

Arturo Toscanini (25 March 1867 – 16 January 1957) was an Italian conductor. He was one of the most acclaimed musicians of the late 19th and of the 20th century, renowned for his intensity, his perfectionism, his ear for orchestral detail and sonority, and his eidetic memory. He was at various times the music director of La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. He directed the world premieres of various operas, and he recorded many works two or three times.

Early life and career

Toscanini was born in Parma, Emilia-Romagna, and won a scholarship to the local music conservatory, where he studied the Cello. He joined the orchestra of an opera company, with which he toured South America in 1886. While presenting Aida in Rio de Janeiro on June 25, Toscanini was asked to take over as conductor when the scheduled conductor fell ill. His success led to further engagements.

Later career

Toscanini was the conductor of the La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy, from 1898 to 1908, with an interruption in 1901–1902. He later returned as Music Director, from 1921 to 1929. During this time, he directed the first performances of La bohème and Turandot, as well as works by other 20th-century composers.

Legacy

Toscanini's legacy includes recordings of his performances made between 1920 and 1954. Toscanini was one of the first conductors to take advantage of the recording technology, and he made numerous recordings with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. The high fidelity allowed his recordings to capture his energetic conducting style and obsession with precision.

Death

Toscanini died on January 16, 1957, at the age of 89 at his home in New York City. His body was returned to Italy and was buried in the Cimitero Monumentale in Milan.

See also

• List of music students by teacher: T to Z

External links

• Arturo Toscanini Society