This week's selection comes from Kevin Lemonnier, Preservation Audio Engineer.
This is the only known recording in existence of Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra performing Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro Op. 47. The performance took place during the 1937 London Music Festival and was privately recorded off broadcast, onto a lacquer disc, by audio engineer Kenneth H. Leech (1892-1995).
Toscanini conducting Elgar's Introduction and Allegro Op. 47
Portrait of the composer Arturo Toscanini c.1926 (J. Paul Getty Museum)
The audio quality is rather poor due to wear and shrinkage of the cellulose nitrate but it still reveals a driving performance from the Italian master.
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