Short Takes: Nov. 16, 1992

MUSIC

The Maestro's Mixed Legacy

NOT SINCE NIETZSCHE'S PASSIONATE briefs for and against Wagner has anyone so eloquently argued both sides of a musician's claim to greatness as ARTURO TOSCANINI does for himself in his recorded legacy. RCA's Toscanini Collection -- 82 CDs, available in 71 volumes -- produces clear evidence that he was both an inspired interpreter and an artist who applied his gifts inconsistently to a fairly narrow, mainly 19th century repertoire. The collection represents most of Toscanini's recordings from 1920 to 1954. In a splendid 1946 La Boheme -- 50 years after the maestro led its world premiere...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!