Arturo Toscanini, la vita e il mito di un Maestro immortale

Arturo Toscanini was born in Parma on March 25, 1867, and became the most acclaimed conductor in history. An exhibition and a book will commemorate The Life and Legend of an Immortal Maestro, on the 150^th anniversary of the Maestro’s birth and the 60^th anniversary of his death (New York, January 16, 1957). During the last sixty years, far from being forgotten, Toscanini has become a legend – a universal symbol of passion, talent and rigor. This exhibition is a photographic journey through his life and work, divided into four sections.

Above all, there was Music: his distinctive, nervous temperament became famous worldwide, as did his dedication to some of the composers with whom he had a special relationship with during his long, fortunate career. 

There was La Scala, his second home, where he was three times artistic director and where he conducted nearly until the end of his career. 

There was his Fame, to a degree uncommon for a conductor of his day, and of which we have evidence thanks to magazine covers, newspaper articles and messages from his audiences.

Last but not least, there is the story of his Life, of which we observe some private moments, some special encounters and some occasions on which he demonstrated not only his musical greatness but also his ethical stature.