The Real Toscanini

In "The Real Toscanini," Cesare Civetta presents an intriguing collection of vivid, one-of-a-kind interviews with artists who performed with Toscanini.  A portrait of the inner workings of the maestro emerges through these extensive conversations conducted by the author over a period of 20 years, together with other firsthand recollections.  These accounts clarify Toscanini's philosophy, musical style, and techniques.  They depict a man tormented by inner demons of anger and depression, which were easily triggered by his frustration at being unable to produce the musical ideal in his mind's ear.  Paperback, 260 p.