Here, in pretty mediocre sound, is the Toscanini-led concert which re-opened La Scala after World War II. Lively performances of Rossini’s overture to La Gazza Ladra and a chorus and two dances from Guglielmo Tell lead to the prayer from the same composer’s Mosé, with Renata Tebaldi and Giovanni Malipiero. From Verdi we get the overture and chorus “Va, pensiero” from Nabucco, the overture to I Vespri Siciliani (stunningly played) and the Te Deum – this last in a moving, if murky-sounding reading. The Intermezzo and Act 3 from Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, with Mafalda Favero a fine Manon and Malipiero a fervent Des Grieux follows, and the finale to what must have been a staggering evening, its lustre somewhat dimmed by poor sound is the Prologue to Boito’s Mefistofele, with Tancredi Pasero a subtle but potent devil, and the Scala choruses and orchestra at their best. As a document this is crucial; how much actual pleasure it gives is another matter. (Editor’s Note: Not available for sale in the U.S.A.)
