This double album is one of the most interesting releases of the great Arturo Toscanini, for it comprises two CDs. The first is devoted to pre-Beethoven 18th-century and early 19th-century music by JS Bach, Vivaldi and Rossini - composers but rarely encountered in Toscanini's repertoire and discography, played by 'his' NBC Symphony Orchestra, performances that will come as a welcome surprise to many music-lovers and Toscanini admirers. The second CD is even rarer: excerpts from fascinating rehearsals by the great man in outstanding examples from his core repertoire - Mozart (Overture to The Magic Flute), Beethoven (the Ninth Symphony) and Verdi (La Traviata). The rehearsal excerpts are introduced by Marcia Davenport (daughter of the great Alma Gluck, who sang with the maestro). All in all, this is a unique and immensely valuable release.

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