Toscanini

A rare glimpse into the life of the conductor considered to be the greatest of all time.
 
Arturo Toscanini is one of the most acclaimed musicians of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, beginning his career as a cellist then becoming world- renowned as a conductor. Known for his intensity, perfectionism, ear for orchestral detail, and photographic memory (he could conduct 160 operas from memory), he was appointed music director of La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at different stages in his career.
 
Published on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Toscanini’s birthday (March 25, 1867), this book provides insight into the legendary conductor’s genius through never-before-seen photos focusing on key moments of his extraordinary private and public life. Toscanini is a celebrity beloved both in the United States and overseas, and this book is a celebration of his integrity, talent, and relentless pursuit of perfection.

Marco Capra teaches history of modern and contemporary music, and history of musical theater, and has made noteworthy contributions on the evolution of criticism and the Italian musical press in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Antonio Pappano is Music Director of The Royal Opera, a position he has held since 2002. During his tenure he has conducted an extensive repertory, including works by Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Puccini, Richard Strauss, Ravel, Berg, Shostakovich and Britten, as well as the world premieres of Birtwistle’s The Minotaur (2008) and Turnage’s Anna Nicole (2011), and works for The Royal Ballet.