Search - Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra: The Television Concerts, Vol. 2 - 1948-52 on DVD

Here's the program

Mark Hite | Columbus, OH | 03/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Volume Two


Telecast: 13 November, 1948 at NBC Studio 8-H, New York City
Introduction to the concert
Brahms
Concerto for Violin, Cello & Orchestra in A minor, Op.102
Liebeslieder-Walzer, Op.52
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
Mischa Mischakoff ­ violin · Frank Miller ­ cello
Artur Balsam & Joseph Kahn ­ pianos · Choir ­ Director: Walter Preston
NBC Symphony Orchestra


Telecast: 4 December, 1948 at NBC Studio 8-H, New York City
Introduction to the concert
Mozart
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550
Dvorák
Symphonic Variations, Op.78
Wagner
Tannhäuser ­ Overture
NBC Symphony Orchestra
"

5 stars for Toscanini

Brooklyn GV | Brooklyn NY | 02/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a list price of $37.00 ($33-00 on amazon) Testament DVD should be ashamed of this mess. It looks like the VHS with more contrast.
How can they ask this price. $19.99 would be more realistic for the video quality of this non mastered DVD. The length of this DVD is average.
I realize any Toscanini is better than nothing certainly the 9th is a work of a master interpreter.
Testament DVDs get lost!"

Splendid to watch

Arthur R. Krieck | New York, NY USA | 08/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Toscanini provides a "conducting textbook" here for all to see, the beat always at the tip of the stick, never over- or under-conducting, always attentive and expressive. A particular delight for me is watching him conduct the Liebeslieder Waltzes, leading a 17-voice small chorus with two pianos. His love for the music and regard for the singers and pianists are right in his face and are a joy to behold.

This series on DVD, however, is something of a disappointment. This is a straightforward presentation of the masters used for the 1990 "complete" Toscanini Edition on RCA Victor, with no attempt at additional digital restoration of the images other than to correct some synchronization problems, using the same tacky 1980s graphics and the treacly Martin Bookspan announcements and commentary. The audio track is cleaner, and the convenience of the DVD format is appreciated, but I was expecting so much more from the usually scrupulous Testament series."

Arturo Toscanini sound and image

Timur Sumer | Flint, MI USA | 01/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is an extraordinary visual and auditory experience for the Toscanini admirers.
Camera emphasis on Toscanini reveals maestro's technical perfection, his communication skills and his authority, and turns this DVD into an education in conducting. Superimposed images of the conductor with orchestra members make this communicatition easy to appreciate for the viewer. Maestro's repeated gestures such as touching his nose or mouth with his index finger to decrease the volume or occasionally resting his left hand on his collar at the chest level etc. are very interesting to watch.
Considering the date of recording, sound and picture quality are very good, with the exception of the second half of the Brahms concerto where the picture is fuzzy; this problem has been narrated before it occurs.
I found a few other aspects of this recording interesting: Orchestra's seating lay out is very different than today's orchestra seating pattern. Today's conductors would have to exert a considerable effort orienting themselves to this pattern. Also of interest is, there are no women musicians in the orchestra. Unlike in most of the modern concert halls, orchestra members do not rise when the conductor walks on stage. I believe this attitude is much more civilized than the current practice.
I had read by some expert critics about Toscanini's conducting style being, "fast". I was unable to appreciate this criticism, until I watched this DVD; especially Brahms, Mozart and Beethoven. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the maestro's style as is.
I am not a professional musician but only an enthusiast.
I watched only Volumes one and two of The Television Concerts and I am planning purchasing the rest.
Timur Sumer, MD"