Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) was arguably the most renowned conductor of the 20th century. He began his musical career as a cellist and aspiring composer. Upon hearing the masterful music of Wagner, he decided to give up composing and devote his life to performing and conducting the works of other composers. In 1993 I embarked on a concert tour of Italy with Walfredo Toscanini, Arturo’s grandson, and Walfredo’s wife Elaine, an accomplished accompanist. Arturo Toscanini is absolutely revered in Italy. For each concert Walfredo would speak of his grandfather and his strong working relationships with specific Italian composers. Elaine would then accompany me in songs written by those composers. The concerts were received well and one was reviewed - "Steven Marking with his striking stage presence, rich baritone voice, and impeccable diction captivated the Italians." --Corriere della Sera, Milano I have done a great deal of performing with pianist/conductor Ian Hobson. When Ian asked me if there was a special project I would like to record, I told him about this concert tour and of the songs of Arturo Toscanini and his Italian contemporaries. Ian was unaware that Arturo Toscanini had composed music, so he was eager to see the songs. We recorded these beautiful songs in Foellinger Great Hall at the Krannert Center for the performing arts in Champagne Urbana, Illinois.