This 'Italian Spectacular' is a unique coupling of music by three Italian composers, all of whom were known personally to Toscanini. Most significant, in terms of large-scale integration, is the combination of the three magnificent 'Roman' symphonic pieces Ottorino Respighi composed, each of which is closely associated with Toscanini, who delivers spell-binding accounts of these works. Alfredo Catalani, and - of course - Giuseppe Verdi are best-known as operatic composers, and in each of the three orchestral selections from their operas, the combination of intensity and sensitivity of Toscanini's interpretations is heard afresh in these outstanding new Superfine Transfers, bringing a greater degree of fidelity to the sound than ever before.

Recorded 1949-1953