TOSCANINI CONDUCTS GIUSEPPE VERDI: LA TRAVIATA
CD-4271(2)
Disc 1 Sound Clips (MP3):
1. No. 1. Preludio2. Act 1. No. 2. Introduzione
3. Act 1. Seguito del No. 2. Brindisi
4. Act 1. Seguito del No. 2. Valzer-Duetto nell'Introd. Atto 1
5. Act 1. Seguito del No. 2. Stretti dell'Introd. Atto 1
6. Act 1. No. 3. Finale. Scena ed Aria Violetta
7. Act 2. No. 4. Scena ed Aria Alfredo
8. Act 2. No. 5. Scena e Duetto
9. Act 2. No. 6. Scena
10. Act 2. Seguito del No. 6. Scena ed Aria Germont
Disc 2 Sound Clips (MP3):
1. Act 3. No. 7. Finale 12. Act 3. Seguito del No. 7. Finale 2. Coro di Zingarelle
3. Act 3. Seguito del No. 7. Coro di Mattadori Spagnouli
4. Act 3. Seguito del No. 7. Seguito del Finale 2
5. Act 3. Seguito del No. 7. Largo del Finale 2
6. Act 4. No. 8. Scena ed Aria
7. Act 4. No. 9. Baccanale
8. Act 4. No. 10. Scena e Duetto
9. Act 4. No. 11. Finale ultimo
Because the dress rehearsals did not constitute a real performance,
given before a paying audience, Toscanini himself participates uninhibitedly.
We frequently hear him hushing his singers and orchestra or enthusiastically
cheering them on, throwing out a monitory "Crescendo!" or "Legato!"
or simply singing along. And in Act II, Scene 1, we are surprised to hear
him, in his hoarsely croaking baritone, taking the role of Violetta's servant
Guiseppe-in place of a singer who was evidently indisposed. Since these
were dress rehearsals, there are none of the famous Toscanini outbursts
of temper-though at one point he does come close. The blend of total emotional
involvement and professional detachment is characteristic, revealing, and,
very moving.
CD-4271(2) GIUSEPPE VERDI: LA TRAVIATA. Dress rehearsal,
recorded November 1946 in New York. With Licia Albanese, sop. as Violetta
Valery; Jan Peerce, ten. as Afredo Germont; Robert Merrill, barit. as Giorgio
Germont, his father; Maxine Stellman, mezzo as Flora Bervoix; Johanne Morland,
sop. as Annina, Violetta's maid; John Garris, barit. as Gastone, Viscount
de Letorieres; George Cehanovsky, barit. as Barone Duopol; Paul Dennis,
bass. as Marquis d'Obigny; Arthur Newman, bass. as Doctor Grenvil. Chorus
Master: Peter Wilhousky. Arturo Toscanini: Conductor Total Time: 1:43:52.
Originally issued in 1987 as Music & Arts CD-271. Technical restoration
(2003) Graham Newton. Liner notes by William H. Youngren.UPC # 0-17685-42712-2