Arturo Toscanini
Arturo Toscanini
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Arturo Toscanini was born Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Toscanini on March 25, 1867. He is commonly referred to as Maestro Toscanini or simply the Maestro.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: March 25, 1867
Died: January 16, 1957 (aged 89)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Italian conductor of opera, symphony orchestras, and chamber music ensembles. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest conductors in history.
Early Life and Background
Toscanini was born in Parma, Italy, to a family of modest means. His father, Domenico Toscanini, was an Italian patriot who had fought against the Austrians during the Risorgimento. Arturo's early life was marked by music; his mother was an amateur pianist and singer, and he began taking piano lessons at age 5.
Early Musical Training
Toscanini studied music theory and composition with the great composer and teacher, Giovanni Sgambati. He made his conducting debut in 1886, leading a concert of Verdi's opera "Falstaff" in Rome. His talent was soon recognized by the public and critics alike, and he became known for his fiery temperament and exacting standards.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his long career, Toscanini achieved numerous milestones:
He led the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York City from 1908 to 1915.
He was music director of La Scala in Milan from 1921 to 1930.
He conducted the NBC Symphony Orchestra in New York City from 1937 to 1954.Notable Performances and Premieres
Some of his most notable performances include:
The world premiere of Puccini's "La Fanciulla del West" in 1910
His performances of Verdi's "Falstaff" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1907 and 1915
His recordings of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the NBC Symphony Orchestra
Notable Works or Actions
Toscanini was known for his advocacy of the works of Richard Wagner, whom he saw as a champion of Italian nationalism. He also championed the music of Verdi and Puccini, and was instrumental in premiering many new operas.
Impact and Legacy
Arturo Toscanini's impact on classical music is immense:
He raised the standards for orchestral performance and conducting technique.
His recordings continue to be widely admired and studied today.
He was a pioneer of radio broadcasting, using it to reach audiences worldwide with live performances.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Toscanini's quotes and sayings are often cited for their insight into the world of classical music:
"I am not here to make friends. I am here to interpret the composer."
* "The conductor is a servant, not a dictator."
These words reflect his dedication to the art form and his commitment to excellence.
Arturo Toscanini's legacy continues to inspire generations of conductors, musicians, and music lovers around the world. His contributions to classical music are immeasurable, and his memory will be celebrated for centuries to come.
Quotes by Arturo Toscanini
When I was young, I kissed my first woman and smoked my first cigarette on the same day. Believe me, never since have I wasted any more time on tobacco.
Can't you read? The score demands 'con amore', and what are you doing? You are playing it like married men!
After conducting a concert in a small town, I once received the following note from a farmer who had attended the performance: “Dear Sir, I wish to inform you that the man who played the long thing you pull in and out only did so during the brief periods you were looking at him.”
After I die, I shall return to earth as a gatekeeper of a bordello and I won’t let any of you enter.
If you want to please the critics, don’t play too loud, too soft, too fast, too slow.
Can’t you read? The score demands ‘con amore,’ and what are you doing? You are playing it like married men!
I kissed my first girl and smoked my first cigarette on the same day. I haven’t had time for tobacco since.
After I die I shall return to earth as the doorkeeper of a bordello and I won't let a one of you in.
If you want to please the critics, don't play too loud, too soft, too fast, too slow.
Liberty, in my opinion, is the only orthodoxy within the limits of which art may express itself and flourish freely-liberty that is the best of all things in the life of man, if it is all one with wisdom and virtue.