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Title: Good remastering of classic Toscanini performances/actually 4 stars
Review: The Smithsonian Great American Orchestras was a fine series that I missed the first time around. If you can find these, snap them up. This one in particular is a fine example of NY Phil under Toscanini. The recording quality is really about the same as the NBC 8H recordings, if not better, and the orchestra is better. This is a great way to get the legendary 1936 Beethoven seventh. I don't remember a reissue of the Brahms Variations. Toscanini simply lets the piece unfold naturally. With a Rossini overture, the Traviata prelude, and Act 3 Lohengrin prelude, this is a great program of some of the master's favorites. The NBC Symphony collection is fine, too.Buy them all. PS: I have messed up my star rating. Understanding the limitations of these recordings, I still would give FOUR STARS.
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