TOSCANINI’S FACE SLAPPED

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1931, Page 8

TOSCANINI’S FACE SLAPPED

BOLOGNA INCIDENT. OBJECTION TO FASCIST HYMN. ROME, July 3. With reference to the incident which recently occurred at the Bologna Communal Theatre, in which Signor Arturo Toscanini was assaulted by Fascis s, have been able to obtain the following information from a most reliable source. Signor Toscanini was about to conduct at a concert of classical music, and the theatre was crowded, among those present being Signor A-rpjnali, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign 'Affairs ; Admiral Ciano, Minister of Transport; and numerous other leading Fascist personalities. There was electricity in the air, as Toscanini’s rooted objection to conducting the Fascist hymn was known, and, in fact, had already given rise to unpleasant incidents in 'Turin, Milan and other Italian cities. At the appointed time the "Maestro" arrived at the theatre, where he was jntormed that unless "Giovinezza” were played he would not be allowed to proceed with the concert. At a compromise, it was suggested that the task of conducting the Fascist hymn should be undertaken by the first violin. “ROTTEN MUSIC.". But Toscanini has often declared that he considers "Giovinezza’’ a “rotten piece of music,’’ only lit for a circus, and hjs highly strung artistic temperament regards it as sacriltgtous to spoil the hieratic atmosphere ol a classical concert, so that he Hally n I used. •He further pointed out that he could rot he compelled to play "Giovinezza” because, according to Italian law, the Royal anthem aYid the Fascist hymn are only compulsory on patriotic occasions. Toscanini then left the theatre, but before be could reach his motorcar h:' was followed by a group of .Fascist militiamen, who, it is alleged, handled him roughly and repeatedly slapped his face, regaling linn with most uncomplimentary epithets, such as traitor and renegade. This is all the more' extraordinary as Signor Toscanini was one of the first to join the Fascist Party ; but it. appears that his enthusiasm subsequently cooledl down considerably, so that he is no longer regarded as a ‘persona grata.” He lias remain'd on the best of terms, however,' with Mussolini, who has received him on se\eral occasions with the great st cordiality, esn'-ially on his return from his triumphal tours in America. ’ Signor Toscanini is most intransigent where his beloved art is concerned. He quarrelled with the 'Scala theatre because he would not allow concerts and melodramas which he conducted in that famous theatre to he broadcast. IN SECLUSION. Immediately after the Bologna incident Signor Toscanini left for Milan, and is now resting in a secluded villa at Bellagio, as his highly strung nervous system has received a severe shock. ’ He has declared to his intimate friends that after this experience of brutal violence, he will never again be induced to conduct in Italy. It appears that Toscanini wanted to leave dtaly immediately, blit was unable to get bis passport visaed. 1 went to the Palazzo Ghigi to inquire whether this was true, and was received by a high Fascist functionary, who replied evasively as regards the passport, but added emphatically: “If Toscanini had his face slapped, he richly deserved L. —Copyright.