Front:
YORK
25
1989
10199
25
Toscanini
Back:
ARTURO TOSCANINI
First Day of Issue: March 25, 1989
First Issue Location: New York, New York
Italian symphonic and operatic conductor Arturo Toscan-
ini was a major force in molding twentieth century
standards for musical performance. Born in Parma, Italy,
on March 25, 1867, Toscanini was educated as a cellist
and pianist. He made his debut as a conductor almost by
chance while touring with an Italian opera company,
when he was asked to fill in at the last minute for the
conductor, a senior colleague of his. Toscanini's ability
was recognized immediately, and thus began his long
career. He conducted the New York Philharmonic and
also was conductor for the NBC Symphony, formed
especially for his recordings and his broadcast concerts.
Throughout his career, he stressed that music should be
performed strictly as the composer intended, and rejected
views of nineteenth century idealists who permitted liber-
ties in interpretation in the name of freedom of expres-
sion. His talent and views were well-known to the Ameri-
can public, and when Toscanini died on January 16,
1957, in New York City, his passing was deeply mourned.
No. 89-12
©1989 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Tom Lydon