Orchestral works (Rec.1959-61 )

Tullio Serafin (1878-1968) was a violinist with La Scala before becoming an opera conductor. He appeared at La Scala in 1909, 1919, 1939-40 and 1946-47, at Covent Garden in 1907, 1931, 1959 and 1960, at the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1924 to 1934 and Chicago from 1956 to 1958. He was artistic director of the Rome Opera from 1934-43 and again in 1962. According to John L.Holmes's book 'Conductors on Record', "Serafin's contribution to operatic performances was enormous and has scarcely been paralleled".

He gave an enormous number of first performances in Italy, for example Der Rosenkavalier, Wozzeck and Peter Grimes and introduced La Forza del destino to Covent Garden and Turandot and Simon Boccanegra to New York. He was also most importantly responsible for the early development of Gigli, Ponselle and notably Sutherland and Callas.

This Serafin release, in excellent stereo, demonstrates his long and celebrated association with Italian opera, and represents the first of some carefully selected artists and titles for the future. An additional track has been included – Bellini's Norma:Prelude to Act II, showcasing Serafin with the Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala, Milano, with whom he made numerous opera recordings with Callas.

It has been superbly remastered from original sources by Paul Baily.

Medici Masters has a signed a limited licence deal with EMI Classics to broaden the appeal of the new label.