I was so happy to be able to preview this recording of the 1943 Studio 8H radio broadcast. I've never been completely happy with the later RCA LP, mostly for reasons having to do with RCA's very poor microphone setup and the high distortion levels. This radio performance benefits from NBC's more fastidious work and also, I think, because Mr. Grofé was personally present at the rehearsals to answer Toscanini's detailed questions. From at least one player's account, we know this occurred and would, then, make this a composer-supervised performance in which the composer/conductor relationship was still completely fresh - and, of course, at the broadcast's conclusion, The Maestro acknowledged the other Maestro in the audience from the podium. Many years later, after having viewed Disney's film based on his music, Mr. Grofé remarked that he hadn't been so thrilled since he'd heard Toscanini conduct the score in New York 20 years before. This was that performance, Bravi tutti!!
Lots of people, including me, used to sneer when this piece was even mentioned. It seems its been gaining respectability with passing time. But what really changed it for me was when I moved to the southwest and AZ and began experiencing desert cloudbursts and thunderstorms. I realized Grofe got it exactly right. It's all there in the music.
It is so good to hear this again! When I was little I would sit with my Dad and he would explain all the movements to me, and I could hear the donkey hooves and the rain and lightening and thunder in the music. It really brings back memories!
Yes, the definitively is Toscanini humming, and he does it twice again during "On The Trail." A very good performance indeed... love those "romantic" string portamentos here and there as well.
A truly outstanding rendition! I grew up in the late 1940s with this work directed by Maestro Toscanini -- on those 45 RPM discs! I also like the later Ormandy & Philadelphians recording.
Toscanini understands the music. He doesn't rush-rush-rush-rush especially in the final movement. A great classical masterwork with a great conductor....
This possibly was the first recording I ever bought. A box set of 4 5 rpm records that I long ago lost but thru the magic of the internet I was able to buy a used replacement. As a lifelong lover of jazz I would be hard pressed to pick something from my collection to surpass this. I'm a teen again (if I close my eyes).
Narra William Carboni, un violista della NBCO, che il compositore non riusciva a credere l'impegno con cui il gia' leggendario Toscanini prendeva la sua musica. "Quando Toscanini faceva una domanda a Grofé anything, lo chiamava sempre 'Maestro'; e Grofé si sentiva in paradiso. Alla fine, il Vecchio lo chiamo' sul podio per chiedergli se tutto andava bene, e Grofé disse di si, ma era cosi' emozionato che andando indietro inciampo' nei sedili e fece un capitombolo."
Not to double post, but the microphone caught someone humming right as the orchestra comes in on big forte in the Painted Desert! Seeing as how pretty much everyone in the orchestra is playing something at that exact second, it is either the announcer still has a live mic,or it is Toscanini himself. Never occurred to me that the conductor might hum along as he conducts.
Ferde Grofe commented that this was the finest performance of his GCS. After numerous performances during his lifetime he never wavered from this.
I was so happy to be able to preview this recording of the 1943 Studio 8H radio broadcast. I've never been completely happy with the later RCA LP, mostly for reasons having to do with RCA's very poor microphone setup and the high distortion levels. This radio performance benefits from NBC's more fastidious work and also, I think, because Mr. Grofé was personally present at the rehearsals to answer Toscanini's detailed questions. From at least one player's account, we know this occurred and would, then, make this a composer-supervised performance in which the composer/conductor relationship was still completely fresh - and, of course, at the broadcast's conclusion, The Maestro acknowledged the other Maestro in the audience from the podium. Many years later, after having viewed Disney's film based on his music, Mr. Grofé remarked that he hadn't been so thrilled since he'd heard Toscanini conduct the score in New York 20 years before. This was that performance, Bravi tutti!!
Lots of people, including me, used to sneer when this piece was even mentioned. It seems its been gaining respectability with passing time. But what really changed it for me was when I moved to the southwest and AZ and began experiencing desert cloudbursts and thunderstorms. I realized Grofe got it exactly right. It's all there in the music.
It is so good to hear this again! When I was little I would sit with my Dad and he would explain all the movements to me, and I could hear the donkey hooves and the rain and lightening and thunder in the music. It really brings back memories!
Disneyland ❤
Yes, the definitively is Toscanini humming, and he does it twice again during "On The Trail." A very good performance indeed... love those "romantic" string portamentos here and there as well.
Questa esecuzione conserva ancora un fascino intatto e irresistibile!
Sounding as if it was being performed and recorded yesterday. In fact, better than some of the more contemporary performances.
A truly outstanding rendition! I grew up in the late 1940s with this work directed by Maestro Toscanini -- on those 45 RPM discs! I also like the later Ormandy & Philadelphians recording.
Toscanini understands the music. He doesn't rush-rush-rush-rush especially in the final movement. A great classical masterwork with a great conductor....
yes Toscanini (also in official recordings) often sings while is conducting. (but also Gould and Pollini they do it while are playing)
This possibly was the first recording I ever bought. A box set of 4 5 rpm records that I long ago lost but thru the magic of the internet I was able to buy a used replacement. As a lifelong lover of jazz I would be hard pressed to pick something from my collection to surpass this. I'm a teen again (if I close my eyes).
Better recorded than the other known version from about 1945.
This is a beauty! Thank you!
Bellissima esecuzione
Narra William Carboni, un violista della NBCO, che il compositore non riusciva a credere l'impegno con cui il gia' leggendario Toscanini prendeva la sua musica. "Quando Toscanini faceva una domanda a Grofé anything, lo chiamava sempre 'Maestro'; e Grofé si sentiva in paradiso. Alla fine, il Vecchio lo chiamo' sul podio per chiedergli se tutto andava bene, e Grofé disse di si, ma era cosi' emozionato che andando indietro inciampo' nei sedili e fece un capitombolo."
Extraordinary
It's also a more flexible performance than the commercial recording or the 1945 broadcast. I love those glissandos at the end of On the Trail.
Sunrise
Not to double post, but the microphone caught someone humming right as the orchestra comes in on big forte in the Painted Desert! Seeing as how pretty much everyone in the orchestra is playing something at that exact second, it is either the announcer still has a live mic,or it is Toscanini himself. Never occurred to me that the conductor might hum along as he conducts.
Good sound for this aircheck!!