Composer: Arturo Toscanini
Works: Schubert: Symphony No. 8 ‘Unfinished’; Strauss: Don Juan; Haydn: Sinfonia Concertante in B flat; Bach (orch. Respighi): Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor
Performers: NBC Symphony Orchestra
Recording: Live on 14 October 1939, from a collection owned by Richard Blaine Gardner; restored by Richard Caniell
Label: Guild Historical GHCD 2202
Arturo Toscanini, a titan of 20th-century conducting, remains a pivotal figure in the evolution of orchestral interpretation. This live performance from October 1939, recorded during his tenure as Music Director of the NBC Symphony Orchestra, offers a vivid glimpse into his interpretative prowess and the musical landscape of the time. The chosen repertoire, spanning the Romantic to the Baroque, not only reflects Toscanini’s eclectic taste but also his ability to breathe life into each piece, illuminating the emotional and structural nuances inherent in the scores.
The concert opens with Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ Symphony, a work that has captivated audiences since its incomplete inception. Toscanini’s interpretation is marked by a profound sense of introspection, allowing the brooding character of the first movement to unfurl gradually. Unlike some conductors who may rush this movement’s unfolding, Toscanini opts for a measured pace that emphasizes the symphony’s weighty emotional gravity. The orchestral playing is crisp, with the strings projecting a warm yet poignant sound that underscores the work’s inherent melancholy. The second movement, with its contrasting lyrical expressiveness, benefits from Toscanini’s deft control over dynamics, creating a palpable tension that heightens the listener’s engagement.
Transitioning to Richard Strauss’s ‘Don Juan,’ Toscanini showcases his remarkable ability to balance clarity with intensity. The orchestra delivers a performance characterized by rhythmic precision and a sweeping lyrical line that evokes the very essence of young, passionate heroism. The woodwinds, particularly, shine in their atmospheric contributions, while the brass section projects a thrilling power that is both thrilling and virtuosic. This reading of ‘Don Juan’ stands as one of the highlights of the recording, exemplifying Toscanini’s knack for blending technical mastery with emotional depth—qualities that earn this recording a place alongside other notable interpretations, such as those by Fritz Reiner and Herbert von Karajan.
Haydn’s ‘Sinfonia Concertante’ serves as a delightful interlude, where Toscanini takes a refreshing approach by spotlighting the principal players of the NBC orchestra—Robert Bloom, William Polesi, Mischa Mischakoff, and Frank Miller. Their spirited interplay reveals the intricate dialogues Haydn crafted, with each soloist showcasing their prowess while remaining in harmonious conversation with the ensemble. The conductor’s lively tempos and buoyant phrasing imbue the work with an infectious energy, allowing Haydn’s wit and charm to resonate fully. This invigorating performance stands out, as it taps into the historical context of Haydn’s music, bridging the gap between the Classical and Romantic eras.
Respighi’s orchestration of Bach’s ‘Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor’ rounds out the program with an audacious interpretation that, while perhaps seen as overblown by some purists, offers a fascinating glimpse into the mid-20th-century reimagining of Baroque works. Toscanini, although sometimes criticized for an overly dramatic approach, elicits a powerful response from his orchestra. The lushness of the strings contrasts with the clarity of the fugue subject, creating a tapestry of sound that is both intricate and overwhelming. While Respighi’s embellishments may detract from Bach’s original intent for some listeners, Toscanini’s delivery remains compelling, drawing one into the drama of the music.
The sound quality of this recording, expertly restored by Guild, captures the essence of a live broadcast from the late 1930s. The acoustic environment of Radio City’s Symphony Hall is preserved, allowing the listener to appreciate the warmth and resonance of the NBC Symphony Orchestra. The clarity of individual lines, particularly in the woodwinds and brass, reflects a commitment to fidelity in sound that enhances the overall listening experience.
Arturo Toscanini’s legacy as a conductor is firmly established through this recording, not merely for his technical command but for his ability to convey the emotional core of the music. Each work in this concert is approached with a sense of purpose and authenticity that speaks to his profound connection with the score. This release not only enriches our understanding of Toscanini’s artistry but also serves as a reminder of the vitality of live orchestral music during a pivotal moment in history. The collection stands as essential listening for anyone wishing to delve deeper into the heart of orchestral performance and the enduring brilliance of Toscanini’s interpretations.
