Publisher’s Copy

Haggin, B. H. (1900–1987)

The Toscanini Musicians Knew [Inscribed to Publisher Ben Raeburn] [Association Copy]

New York: Horizon Press, 1967.
A premier association copy of a landmark in 20th-century music criticism, linking the legendary critic B. H. Haggin to his own publisher, Ben Raeburn. 

This inscribed first edition of The Toscanini Musicians Knew provides an intimate 'inside view' of Arturo Toscanini’s conducting genius, constructed from the firsthand testimonies of the musicians who played under his baton. Coming directly from the Raeburn estate, this volume represents the intersection of mid-century intellectual publishing and the golden age of classical music interpretation.

Haggin, one of America’s most exacting music critics, curated this work from the collective memory of the musicians who experienced Toscanini’s legendary rigor firsthand. By shifting the perspective from the critic’s seat to the orchestra pit, Haggin produced a definitive study of conducting style and rehearsal technique. This copy, sourced from the estate of Horizon Press founder Ben Raeburn (via his partner Pat Percy), documents the vital partnership between a fearless critic and the publisher who championed his work.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Illustrated with photographic plates, including the iconic and candid portraiture of Toscanini by Robert Hupka.
+++ Binding: Original publisher’s cloth; bindings remain firm and square.
+++ Content: 245 pages; features interviews with members of the NBC Symphony and the New York Philharmonic, providing a technical and emotional breakdown of Toscanini’s impact.
+++ Inscription: Inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper: “For Ben Raeburn with the thanks of B. H. Haggin.”
+++ Imprint: New York: Horizon Press, 1967. First Edition stated.
+++ Specs: 9.125 inches tall (Octavo); 245 pages.

CONDITION: Very Good / Good.
+++ The Book: Very Good. Bindings are firm and square. The text block is clean with light, even toning. A well-preserved copy of a scholarly reference.
+++ The Jacket: Good. Original dust jacket is not price-clipped. Shows typical edge wear, rubbing, and small losses consistent with age and format. Overall intact and presentable.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Oral History of Music: Predates the modern trend of oral history, using primary source interviews to challenge the myths surrounding Toscanini’s dictatorial reputation.
+++ Performance Practice: An essential resource for the study of 20th-century performance practice, specifically regarding the "Urtext" movement and fidelity to the score.
+++ Publishing History: Documents the specific 'Horizon Press' aesthetic—intellectually rigorous, elegantly designed, and focused on the arts.
+++ The Raeburn Legacy: Ben Raeburn was a titan of New York’s independent publishing scene, famous for his long-standing relationships with cultural giants like Frank Lloyd Wright and Sir Herbert Read.
+++ Inside the Orchestra: Unlike standard biographies, this work uses direct interviews with orchestral players to deconstruct Toscanini’s rehearsal discipline and artistic philosophy.
+++ Visual Archive: Includes rare photographic plates, notably the celebrated portraiture of Robert Hupka, capturing Toscanini in the throes of performance.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: BEN RAEBURN & THE NYC SCENE —
Ben Raeburn was a central figure in the mid-century New York 'Republic of Letters.' As the founder of Horizon Press, he specialized in books that other publishers found too demanding or niche, most famously becoming the primary publisher for Frank Lloyd Wright. His relationship with B. H. Haggin was a cornerstone of his music list; Raeburn valued Haggin’s 'incorruptible ear,' and together they produced some of the most influential music literature of the era. This copy, inscribed to the man who made the book possible, is a physical link to that vibrant period of American intellectual life.

SUBJECTS: B. H. Haggin, Arturo Toscanini, Conducting, Music Criticism, Horizon Press, Ben Raeburn, 20th Century Music, Signed Books, Association Copy, Performance Practice, Association Copy, First Edition, Music Biography.

Item #21754

Price: $95.00