Toscanini's Farewell

The word which musical Manhattan has dreaded all winter was finally spoken last week: This season will be Arturo Toscanini's last as conductor of the Philharmonic-Symphony, will mark the end of performances which have come nearest to perfection in present-day U. S. music. "With great regret," the Philharmonic directors made the announcement, adding: "After half a century of continuous conducting, the Maestro feels the necessity for a release from the great responsibility of presiding as musical director over a permanent orchestra."

Rumor of the resignation started last November when attention was called to the fact that the Maestro, nearing 69, had come to find the voyage from Italy tiresome, the routine run of concerts and rehearsals an ever-increasing strain. He will end his U. S. career on April 26, conduct occasionally thereafter, but only in Europe on special occasions.

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