Events @ TC

Let us welcome Cesare Civetta, founder and music director of the Beethoven Festival Orchestra in New York City, as he hosts a discussion and Q&A on Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) based on his recent work, The Real Toscanini: Musicians Reveal the Real Maestro (Amadeus Press, 2012).

In this intriguing book, Mr. Civetta presents interviews with over 50 musicians who performed with the maestro. Toscanini's philosophy, musical style, and techniques are brought to light, as we follow the story of the celebrated conductor''s life, including the first concerts in 1936 of what is now known as the Israel Philharmonic, which Toscanini inaugurated in solidarity with Jewish refugee musicians. Civetta will share video clips of Toscanini conducting, and audio excerpts from Toscanini's rehearsals, and performances.

Write reviewers:

"A riveting account of the life of a musical giant! Civetta offers a thorough, poignant, and inspirational piece, weaving a most intriguing narrative that depicts the work of the legendary maestro. Toscanini,s charisma, the incredible power of his talent, [and] his passion for human rights...are portrayed vividly. His indisputable greatness comes through in these pages and reminds us all of the ever-transformational power of music. This is a compelling story pertinent to all generations, and a must-read for those emerging as artists today, as everyone will encounter lessons of honesty, devotion, and pure love of music for all humanity."
--Aaron Dwarkin, founder & president, the Sphinx Organization

"I devoured this book and found it to be powerful, at times hilarious, enourmously touching, and most of all - inspirational. The Real Toscanini is a fascinating look at one of the greatest conductors ever to grace a podium. Cesare Civetta crafts a story that captures The Maestro like no one has ever done before."
--David Kim, Concertmaster, the Philadelphia Orchestra

"I salute Cesare Civetta for his passionate, meticulous and often downright revelatory research into the musical thought and work of Arturo Toscanini. This book will serve not only as an invaluable source for scholars but as a lively read for anybody who cares about music."
-Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic & professor at the University of Southern California

"In Maestro Civetta's amazing account of the life of Arturo Toscanini, a vivid, absorbing portrait of a man is brought to life and with it a haunting glimpse of a time when music was a serious vocation, not a profession...Viva Toscanini, more alive in these pages than I have ever seen in any other source, and ultimately more deserving of the august privilege afforded him by some of the greatest musical minds of the twentieth century of being their favorite maestro. Bravo, Maestro Civetta, for casting this bright light on the life and principles of Arturo Toscanini - who is teaching and inspiring us still."
--Aprile Millo, soprano

Cesare Civetta has appeared with more than 60 orchestras in 14 countries, and he has the unique distinction of being the first American conductor to have concertized throughout Russia immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union. As Director of Classical Programming for the radio station WFUV, Civetta produced The Toscanini Legacy.

This book talk is co-sponsored by the program in Music & Music Education and Gottesman Libraries.

Persons interested in attending may rsvp by Friday, November 23rd.

Where: 306 Russell