NEW YORK—Legendary Italian orchestra conductor Arturo Toscanini (1867–1957) was arguably one of the most seminal figures in 20th-century music. He was noted not only for his consummate knowledge of music and for his extraordinary skills of interpretation, but also for his fierce temperament and impatience with any playing but the highest quality.
Orchestra members put up with his displays of temper because they knew these outbursts were supported by Toscanini’s love of the music and his native perfectionism and personal integrity.
