Arturo Toscanini Conducting Giueseppe Verdi's Hymn Of The Nations

This filmed record of a 1943 motion picture recording of Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony Orchestra in a stirring--and slightly altered--version of Verdi's "Hymn of the Nations" is notable for being the only film in existence of Toscanini conducting. Burgess Meredith, who did the narration for the film, is shown in a present-day introduction as he recalls the circumstances of the recording. Originally, Verdi had composed the "Hymn" to celebrate an earlier capitulation of the Italian government; Toscanini conducts it as a patriotic paean to the downfall of Mussolini's government in his native Italy. Although primarily a propaganda piece denouncing Fascism, and praising the virtues of democracy, the centerpiece of the film is undoubtedly Toscanini conducting. And the music is quite beautiful--thanks to a restored soundtrack. Still, this is really of more historical, than either artistic or entertainment, value. Suitable for large collections, and especially for schools with extensive music programs. (See CANADA'S SWEETHEART for availability.)