Reflections on Toscanini

Sachs here presents a collection of 11 essays written since the appearance of his biography Toscanini in 1978. Included are commentaries on what others have said about the renowned conductor, critiques of newly released or re-released Toscanini recordings, analyses of the maestro's technique, discussions of his place in the history of conducting, and articles on newly discovered documents that shed light on aspects of his life and career. Toscanini's debut as a conductor, his years in Turin and at La Scala, his relationship with the Wagner family and the conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler at Bayreuth, and his anti-fascism are examined. The opinionated Sachs does not hesitate to deride those who, in his view, misunderstand Toscanini's (1867-1957) genius or distort the facts of his life. This noteworthy addendum to Toscanini provides fresh insights, of interest to scholars and general music lovers alike. (Dec.)