This Was Toscanini

"This unique, doubly moving memoir unites an outstanding musician with his invaluable impressions of the world-famous maestro." —Sybil Steinberg, Contributing Editor and Former Book Review Editor for Publishers Weekly

Arturo Toscanini is widely considered the greatest conductor of the modern age and remains a towering figure in the world of classical music. His explosive passions, dynamic music making, and legendary leadership continue to inspire and influence today's musicians while still captivating new generations of enthusiastic fans as well. This Was Toscanini is an intimate, firsthand, behind-the-scenes musical portrait of the Maestro, told from the unique perspective of first violinist Samuel Antek, who was fortunate to play under Toscanini's baton for seventeen years in the famed NBC Symphony Orchestra.


In this expanded second edition of This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me, Samuel Antek's reflections on playing with the Maestro gain sparkling new facets of insight from his daughter, Lucy Antek Johnson, as she enlightens readers with vivid recollections about her father and his most memorable musical partnership. With a foreword from acclaimed author and music historian Harvey Sachs and featuring Robert Hupka's iconic photographs throughout, this shining new edition will bring back the wonder of Toscanini's powerful style and his singular pursuit to make beautiful music.

"After the recordings, this book will probably remain the most enduring and endearing monument to the art of Arturo Toscanini." —The New York Times
"This book will fascinate everyone interested not only in Toscanini but in symphonic music and music making in general." —Harvey Sachs, author and music historian