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Hymn of the Nations
(1944)Synopsis
Commissioned by the U.S. Office of War Information, this short film features conductor Arturo Toscanini leading the NBC Symphony Orchestra, tenor Jan Peerce, and the Westminster Choir in Verdi’s Inno delle nazioni. Originally composed in the 1860s as a musical tribute to Europe, Toscanini expanded the score to include The Star-Spangled Banner and The Internationale in honor of the Allied struggle and Italian partisans. Filmed in NBC’s Studio 8H, the documentary interweaves performance with scenes of Toscanini at home, emphasizing his anti-fascist stance and celebrating the liberation of Italy. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2010.
Top Billed Cast
Arturo Toscanini
Himself
Jan Peerce
Himself/Host
Burgess Meredith
Narrator (voice)
Walfredo Toscanini
Himself
Community Reviews
“With the assistance of the NBC Symphony Orchestra, we watch accomplished maestro Arturo Toscanini present us with an adapted version of Verdi’s overture to “La Forza del Destino” so it incorporates elements of the national anthems of the UK, France and the USA. It is all to celebrate the collapse of the Italian part of the Axis triumvirate during the Second World War and to also celebrate the contributions of Italian-Americans whom, having fled the fascist regime, worked tirelessly to advance the cause of the allies. As a documentary film, it’s really just a few clips with quotes then some fairly straightforward coverage of a conductor and his orchestra, but as a rousing piece of wartime propaganda it reminds us that Italy was a land of culture before Mussolini, and thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of the Allied forces, it will soon be again. If you appreciate Verdi’s music then you will enjoy the last fifteen minutes or so, and Toscanini always was an engaging personality in front of the camera.”
