Klarinet Archive - Posting 001377.txt from 1999/03

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: klarinet Digest 27 Mar 1999 21:15:00 -0000 Issue 1214
Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 17:25:59 -0500

In a message dated 3/27/99 4:12:26 PM, klarinet-digest-help@-----.org writes:

<< Toscanini has been accused of demanding perfection in execution
to the point of sterile, mechanical performances by frightening and
terrorizing the players, and Stokowsky of being a charlatan, a cheap
showman, even a clown, >>

Well, let's not forget that Stokowski built the worlds greatest orchestra (of
its era) in Philadelphia. When he took over in 1912, it was barely
professional and rehearsed in German. One can question some of Stokowski's
interpretive choices and perhaps his taste at times, but without a doubt he
was one of the greatest conductors and musicians of the century. And the
results are there to be measured in the recordings.

It is more than possible to appreciate both Toscanini and Stokowski. Some very
interesting recordings were made by Toscanini in Philadelphia in the early
40s, when the Stokowski influence was still quite strong. I find these,
despite some technical problems that occured during the recordings, the most
satisfying Toscanini recordings. My understanding is that he found it mostly
unnecessary to yell or scream at all at the Philadelphians, becuase they
already played so beautifully. Again, the proof is there to be heard. My
favorite recording of Death and Transfiguration - Toscanini Philadelphia. . .
sensational! And some of the Toscanini/New York Philharmonic recordings are
wonderful too.

The NBC was an inferior orchestra. However, for a few years Toscanini and
Stokowski were co-conductors of it. To my ears, the recordings made at that
time (early 40s) show the orchestra sounded better when under the care of
both. I don't think it was a coincidence.

As Stokowski once said in an intervie and call them peculiar Italian names,
but that is not what makes them great."

-David Hattner, NYC

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