Collecting Toscanini

[Dr. Dread]

And there was much rejoicing.

I've ordered all I can order; I can't order any more!

(Till next month.)

[prémont]

This rocks:



Much better than the commonly available RCA studio set (though that one's pretty good too).

Do we talk about two different recordings or two different editions of the same recording?

[jwinter]

Do we talk about two different recordings or two different editions of the same recording?

The one I recommended is the live set from 1939, as opposed to the studio set on RCA from the 50's.  This is the only version of the 1939 that I've heard, but the sound is very good for the period.

[Gabriel]

Try to get his recordings of the overtures to Cherubini's Medée and Cimarosa's Il matrimonio segreto. They are, after more than half a century, the best available. Almost unbelievable, the first in volcanic power and the second in agility and humour.

And until René Jacobs decides to record any of them, I don't have too many expectations to find a performance at least as good as Toscanini's.

[prémont]

The one I recommended is the live set from 1939, as opposed to the studio set on RCA from the 50's.  This is the only version of the 1939 that I've heard, but the sound is very good for the period.

Thanks, I realize that one must have both sets.

[Bogey]

And there was much rejoicing.

Thought you would approve.

[Renfield]

Thanks, I realize that one must have both sets.

"Must" is questionable, but the NBC set is surely worth it for the Pastoral alone. 0:)

Thought you would approve.

Oh! Off-topic, but I just remembered: I haven't forgotten about the Klemperer "Last Concert" Brahms & Beethoven - I just have a substantial Klemperer backlog that I've only now started to go through. In fact, I've contemplated creating a Klemperer thread, as well.

[prémont]

"Must" is questionable, but the NBC set is surely worth it for the Pastoral alone. 0:)

Which one is that? I think the NBC Symphony Orch. plays on both sets, and that the difference is, that one of the sets is a live recording and the other a studio recording.

[Renfield]

Which one is that? I think the NBC Symphony Orch. plays on both sets, and that the difference is, that one of the sets is a live recording and the other a studio recording.

Oh, my bad: I omitted the date! I was referring to the 1952 Pastoral (from the latter NBC cycle). Apologies for the confusion.

[Coopmv]

These are the only two Toscanini's recordings I have ...

[mc ukrneal]

Someone mentioned Brahms earlier and I think a comparison between the Testament and RCA version would be quite interesting. The only problem is that the NBC can be had for like $8-10, while the Testament will set you back $45 or so (or more).

The NBC version is quite good in any case. The sound is remarkably fine (I usually don't like old recordings, so this is about as high a compliment as I can give).

[Dr. Dread]

This rocks:



Much better than the commonly available RCA studio set (though that one's pretty good too).

It rocks indeed. I'm listening to disc 1 as I type this. Thanks, guys!!

[Renfield]

It rocks indeed. I'm listening to disc 1 as I type this. Thanks, guys!!

0:)

[Leo K.]

I have been amazed by Toscanini as of late, collecting a few of the recordings mentioned in this thread. The London Brahms set is blazing, what power!

I think my favorite Toscanini is still his Tschaikovsky piano concerto with Horowitz, both live and studio, so ecstatic, so sublime.

[brianwalker]

The 1947 Otello is in surprisingly good sound; the orchestration is simple and transparent so his conducting genius really shines forth.

[Cosi bel do]

Well, this topic might deserve a little more activity

I'm currently chasing a few recordings I don't have on CD. Among them, I'm wondering if anyone knows if that has been released :

January 29, 1938
ROSSINI
"La Scala di Seta": Overture
SCHUMANN
Symphony No. 3
PAGANlNl-TOSCANINI
Moto Perpetuo, Op11
MUSSORGSKY-RAVEL
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch:Ravel)

https://www.youtube.com/v/7Lx-mPUoa8E

I mainly want the Schumann. I mean, I love the 1949 studio performance, but this is really truly overwhelming.
It has not been released by Naxos... But anywhere else ?

[Cosi bel do]

OK, nobody answered but that won't prevent me to post something else

I'd like to do a quick survey for all those who have the Complete RCA Collection. Who has the correct version of CD 1 (with the 1949 studio version of the Eroica), and who has the incorrect version (and either doesn't know or kept it anyway) ?

I bought it twice. Each time, it was incorrect and there was no other solution than an (also incorrect) replacement or a refund. Sony never answered to my complaints (while they have sent me missing or defective CDs for other boxes in the past). So, I listened to the whole thing and sent it back. I'm now thinking about waiting for a true new edition, then I'll be sure of what I buy. I know Amazon.com is supposed to have correct versions, but I don't want to buy the set and discover that CD 1 is STILL incorrect, after paying 20€ of non refundable VAT...

[Pat B]

I'd like to do a quick survey for all those who have the Complete RCA Collection. Who has the correct version of CD 1 (with the 1949 studio version of the Eroica), and who has the incorrect version (and either doesn't know or kept it anyway) ?

Hmm, I remember checking for some reported problem and mine was okay, but I don't remember for sure. Can you remind me how to check it?

[Cosi bel do]

Easiest way is go to the end of the third movement of the Eroica on CD1 and listen if you hear coughs before the finale starts. If you do, it is actually the 1953 live (incorrect version, then).

[Moonfish]

OK, nobody answered but that won't prevent me to post something else

I'd like to do a quick survey for all those who have the Complete RCA Collection. Who has the correct version of CD 1 (with the 1949 studio version of the Eroica), and who has the incorrect version (and either doesn't know or kept it anyway) ?

I bought it twice. Each time, it was incorrect and there was no other solution than an (also incorrect) replacement or a refund. Sony never answered to my complaints (while they have sent me missing or defective CDs for other boxes in the past). So, I listened to the whole thing and sent it back. I'm now thinking about waiting for a true new edition, then I'll be sure of what I buy. I know Amazon.com is supposed to have correct versions, but I don't want to buy the set and discover that CD 1 is STILL incorrect, after paying 20€ of non refundable VAT...

I bought it when it was released from Amazon UK. Amazon UK contacted me about the issue (see below) and Sony replaced disc 1 for free so I ended up with both versions. Things went very smoothly as far as I can recall! But...I did not double check the disc to determine the version. I understand there is a time difference of about 20 seconds in the first movement in Eroica that determines the issue (with the 1953 version being longer at 14:06).

They wrote (July 18, 2012)
"We're writing about your Amazon.co.uk order which included the following:

B006VKKAWQ
The Toscanini Collection [Box Set]

It's been brought to our attention that there may be a fault with CD 1, in that the 1949 studio recording of Beethoven's Symphony No 3 "Eroica" is missing and the 1953 broadcast appears there instead, as well as in it's proper place on CD 29.

To get a replacement for CD1 directly from Sony, please send your Amazon.co.uk order number, together with your name and address to the e-mail address below:

Pollyanna.Gunning@sonymusic.com

Please put "Toscanini Replacement Disc" in the subject line.

There's no need to return the faulty disc. Please dispose of it responsibly."

That last sentence is kind of funny!!