Toscanini, Arturo (1867–1957)

Italian conductor. He made his mark in opera as three-times musical director of La Scala, Milan, 1898–1903, 1906–08, and 1921–29, and subsequently as conductor 1937–54 of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) Symphony Orchestra, which was established for him by NBC Radio. His wide-ranging repertoire included Debussy and Respighi, and he imparted an Italianate simplicity to Mozart and Beethoven when exaggerated solemnity was the trend in Germany.

Toscanini was born in Parma, Italy. Opposed to the fascist regime, he returned in 1936 to the USA, where he had conducted at the Metropolitan Opera 1908–15. The NBC Symphony Orchestra was formed for him in 1937. He retired in 1954.