Victor de Sabata

Victor de Sabata was an Italian conductor and composer who left a lasting mark on classical music in the early-to-mid 20th century. Born in 1892, he became celebrated for his fiery, precise interpretations of operas and symphonies, particularly works by Puccini, Verdi, and Strauss. He served as the music director of La Scala in Milan from 1930 to 1953, turning the venue into a powerhouse for dramatic performances. His legendary 1953 recording of *Puccini: Tosca* with Maria Callas remains a gold standard for opera lovers, showcasing his knack for balancing raw emotion with razor-sharp orchestral clarity. Though health issues later limited his baton-wielding, his studio and live recordings—like *Brahms: Symphony No. 4* and *Beethoven’s Symphonies*—reveal why peers called him a “conductor’s conductor.”

Beyond opera, de Sabata’s versatility shone in symphonic works, where he blended Italian lyricism with Germanic rigor. His own compositions, like the lush tone poem *Juventus*, hint at what might’ve been had he focused more on writing music. A perfectionist in rehearsals, he earned respect (and occasional fear) from orchestras, but audiences adored his electrifying performances. Though less prolific on record than some contemporaries, gems like the *Conductor’s Gallery* collections or his *Verdi: Macbeth* live recording keep his legacy alive. If you ever get your hands on his Deutsche Grammophon or Decca releases, brace for drama dialed up to 11!

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Puccini: Tosca

Giacomo Puccini•

Maria Callas•

Victor de Sabata•

Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano•

Giuseppe Di Stefano•

Tito Gobbi

Album - 32 Tracks - Released January 21, 2024