The New American Orchestras Video (DVD)

The New American Orchestras Video (DVD). The program begins dramatically with Toscanini’s performance of the Forza del Destino overture, charting the famous progression in the early part of the 1900’s from the American Orchestras attracting many of the greatest conductors and musicians to America, transforming small orchestras into the power houses of music and artistic brilliance. The program follows various conductors with the orchestrasand network of musicians that they create. These conductors brought new and vibrant music to America. These world premieres and innovations set the New American Orchestras in a Golden Age. Most significiant in this path were the Philadelphia Symphony, the NBC Symphony, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which all carry on the traditions to this day. This is perfect for the classical musician who want learn history, as well as the music lover who longs to know these tidbits of important early history of Orchestras in America. Rare footage of one of Toscanini's famous temper tantrums while rehearsing, is seminal in understanding the New American Orchestra movement. This footage not only shows the volitile nature of these early musical ventures, but the sense of perfectionism that set a standard for impeccable music. Toscanini's performance of Respighi’s "Pines of Rome" is also included ; and Koussevitzky at Tanglewood conducting Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. Stokowski discussing in detail and then performing his notations of Dido’s Lament from Dido and Aeneas and the Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Fifth; (26 minutes, b&w/color)