Classical Radio Communities: Thoughts on Mediation

In reading this interesting article I was amazed that Mr. Jenkins considers Arturo Toscanini(1867-1957)to be “infamous.” Why would he believe one of the greatest operatic and orchestral conductors in the history of music to be disreputable?  It sounds as if “The Maestro” was a criminal.  The word brings to my mind a person such as Jesse James or John Dillinger.  Using infamous is a discredit to this man of significant prestige in the world of music. 

The only thing I can think of Toscanini being notorious for would be his respect for the wishes of the composers of whose music he conducted.  Yes, some of his rehearsal techniques would be unethical in this day, but his results helped enhance the artistic beauty of composers, instrumentalists and singers.  Sure, there were those who were jealous of his fame and notoriety, but almost all who worked with him only exalted and praised him.  Very few critics found any fault in the performances of Arturo Toscanini.

As a conductor he was renowned for memorizing hundreds of scores, leading world premiers, and championing the music of Beethoven, Verdi, Wagner and many other composers.  Aaron Copland once said it was every composers dream to have his music conducted by Toscanini.

As a man he is well known for his political and humanitarian efforts.  Unknown amounts of money were donated to many charities and individuals in need.  Before World War II he spoke out against the fascists in his own country, Italy.  He refused to conduct in Germany and Austria when the Nazi regime came apparent.  In 1936, at his own expense, he helped develop an orchestra of Jewish refugees in Palestine.  This organization is now the Israel Philharmonic.  In New York during the war he helped raise money for War Bonds and the Red Cross.

The memory of Arturo Toscanini is far from forgotten.  January was the 50th anniversary of his death.  There were concerts, lectures and other programs to commemorate him.  A special concert was performed by the New York Philharmonic.  The Arturo Toscanini Filharmonic of Rome toured the U.S.  The New York Public Library has for years archived many of his recordings, scores, photos and other effects of his. Dozens of his recordings are still available on CDs.

What other infamous person has had this much done in his honor?  I do not understand how Mr. Jenkins could have come to the opinion that Toscanini should be called infamous.  To me and many others he is unparalleled as an eminently famous musician and man.

Comment by Hal Starkey from Kansas — April 27, 2007 @ 12:25 pm