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This set really is an album of two halves, the first offering an extensive Debussy programme, with a Ravel encore, the second, a wide-ranging concert with music from a further seven French composers. Historic mono recordings dating from 1949-53, the sound has been restored using 20-bit technology and the latest encoding techniques, such that the only time these tracks ever sounded better was at the moment of performance. Toscanini gave the Italian premiere of Debussy's
Pelléas et Mélisande, and afterwards corresponded with the composer, gaining permission to augment the orchestration of
La Mer, a piece which he conducted many times. The reading here benefits from 40 years of performance experience, and has a timeless atmospheric beauty.
Iberia restores the full, master recording as approved by Toscanini (previous releases have had an unauthorised insert), while his instructions to the NBC Symphony make it quite clear what the hero of
Prélude à l'apres-midi d'un faune is dreaming about. Ravel called Toscanini "a marvellous virtuoso", and here the conductor returns the compliment with a rich interpretation of
Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2. The second disc features such favourites as Saint-Sans'
Danse Macabre and Dukas'
Sorcerer's Apprentice, as well as some lesser known pieces including Ambroise Thomas'
Mignon Overture and Louis Hérold's
Zampa Overture. A thoroughly enjoyable collection, this release presents a further side to the enormous musical achievements of "Il Maestro".
--Gary S. Dalkin