Arturo Toscanini Collection, Volume 48 Wagner: Preludes

On this CD:

1. Lohengrin, opera, WWV 75 Act I: Prelude
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

2. Lohengrin, opera, WWV 75 Act III: Prelude
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

3. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act I: Prelude
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

4. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: Prelude
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

5. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act I: Prelude
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

6. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Good Friday Spell
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

7. A Faust Overture, for orchestra in D minor, WWV 59
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

Tracks:

Lohengrin: Act I Prld
Lohengrin: Act III Prld
Die Meistersinger: Act I Prld
Die Meistersinger: Act III Prld
Parsifal: Act I Prld
Parsifal: Good Friday Spell
A Faust Ov

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Wagner.......2006-01-19

Years ago a high school band director was listening to some of these recordings with me, and a group of others, and he continually raved about the greatness of Richard Wagner's music and how wonderfully Arturo Toscanini conducted the pieces. Toscanini himself said that Wagner was his favorite composer, which was surprising if only because Toscanini was Italian and he had personally known Guiseppe Verdi. However, Toscanini made it clear that Wagner was a great composer and it is clear that he was a very innovative and creative composer, too, even if his personal life was often a mess and his written views on racial issues were clearly wrong.

Nevertheless, these are wonderful performances of Wagner's music and it is clear that Toscanini took it very seriously. He managed to get the NBC Symphony Orchestra play its absolute best. Since most of these recordings were made after Toscanini turned 80, it is amazing to hear the energy, enthusiasm, and intensity he put into the music.

Toscanini's very last broadcast concert on NBC, April 4, 1954, was devoted to Wagner's music and, although he faltered during the uncut overture to "Tannhauser," he was still very devoted to the music. These recordings show none of the problems that Toscanini encountered near the end of his career; he is clearly in top form.

For the most part, the sound on these recordings is exceptional. Digital remastering has brought out the best from the original sources, often surpassing the original LP issues in the 1950's.

Those who listen to these recordings, especially fans of Wagner's music, will really enjoy the exceptional performances. There is great emotional involvement and wonderful playing by the NBC musicians.

Toscanini shines.......2000-06-26

Though I've had problems with Toscanini's temperament and arrogance and I think he too often rushes the music, he was on the money when he did these pieces, particularly Die Meistersinger overture, which reaches heights of orchestral power that are hard to match. The Maestro also was on his game with A Faust Overure and he plays a sensitive prelude for Lohengrin. Even Toscanini haters will have to admit this is a good one!

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