Richard Strauss: Tod und Verklärung (1942) Toscanini/Philadelphia

Richard Strauss
Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24
Arturo Toscanini, conductor
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Recorded on January 11, 1942
at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia
Toscanini's approach to the present score is quite revealing of his artistry, and we are easily reminded of the reason he was so revered on the podium. His interpretation of the score here is a marvel of expression and orchestral texture.
His ultimate dedication to the meaning of the original score, and his ability to put as much heart into the performance as he felt was required make this an exceptional performance in every respect. He clearly felt no need to hold back on the feeling, and the performance is as tender and meaningful as any to be found, including those by the composer himself. The dynamics here are remarkable. Toscanini begins at pianissimo as soft as a sigh, and elevates it to thunderous dimensions in the musical depiction of pain and struggle.
The present recording comes to our time in fairly worn condition. Our approach here is to do as little as possible and let the dynamic range of the performance come through without a lot of filtering or noise reduction. We have, however, opted to return the recording to its original level for the sake of accuracy.
Field acoustic and sonic restoration (2024): Paul Howard - The Yucaipa Studio
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[@paologaudenzi837]

I have the vinyl of this splendid performance and I am always enchanted by how Toscanini conducted Strauss: excellent restoration!!

[@steveluciani]

Beautiful performance in a wonderful restoration. Along with the Strauss and Furtwangler restorations on this channel, you've provided us with an embarrassment of riches. Thanks for preserving the dynamic range here. I think this performance is best heard with headphones, as a result. I listened to both this and the 1952 NBC and find it remarkable how consistent Toscanini was in his interpretation with different forces. I thought the NBC performance was available here as well, but I must be misremembering. Cantelli performed this twice in live broadcasts, both with the NBC in 1952 and the NYPO, two years later. In your copious spare time, it would be wonderful to hear one of those restored, along with any other Cantelli Philharmonia or NBC performances of anything, if you have access to those recordings.

[@Nai61a]

steve etc: I think Pristine Classical has some really interesting Cantelli (and Toscanini etc) recordings.

[@steveluciani]

​@@Nai61a Thanks! Yes. I've heard lots of Cantelli on Pristine, and they're not bad in ambient stereo, but I tend to prefer restorations that are truer to the original recordings. If FAR was a stock symbol, I'd buy some :)😂 Also, if you haven't yet heard Glen's Cantelli Romeo and Juliet, you're in for a treat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rInOfJ1tmZ6nlZY

[@leestamm3187]

Nice polish, as ever. Thanks much. One of Toscanini's best interpretations. I consider this composition a true masterwork, one that becomes more significant to me with every year that passes.

[@steveluciani]

Hopefully we'll all still be debating the merits of this performance 15-20 years from now. With each other, and not Toscanini himself!

[@leestamm3187]

​@@steveluciani I'm 75, so I hope I make it that far.

[@steveluciani]

@@leestamm3187 71 here, so right behind you! 🤞