Note: please discard the cover included in the rar archive and use this one (for details read FEM message in the comment section)
ARTURO TOSCANINI
The first recordings
Not taken from the Rca included in the Toscanini Collection (vol 71 - harsh remastering, unfortunately) but from other sources, including a La Scala celebrative issue, a Symposium CD and some original 78rpm.
Here the sound is more soft, natural and enjoable (if you've the Rca, you can compare). The Finale from Beethoven 5 is presented in two alternative sources.
In appendix a true rarity: the first recording ever made by the New York Philharmonic.
In 1911, after Mahler's death, the Philharmonic appointed Josef Stransky as his replacement. Stransky led the orchestra until 1923 (from 1922 in cohabitation with his successor Willem Mengelberg): and he made the first recording with the orchestra in 1917. Mahler scholar Henry-Louis de La Grange has described J. Stransky as a "conscientious but uninspiring" leader, who allowed the high performing levels achieved by Mahler to fall.
Anyway, only 6 years after Mahler's death, something still remains in the sound of the Philharmonic? Impossible to say, but a fascinating question.
ARTURO TOSCANINI
ACOUSTIC RECORDINGS 1920-1921
Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala
ARTURO TOSCANINI
bonus:
Beethoven Symphony 5 (Andante)
New York Philharmonic
JOSEPH STRANSKY
Studio - january 24, 1917
FLAC - Updated Cover (see comments)
Mega
Updated link
