Renowned pianist Ian Hobson and baritone Steven Marking team up for a stunning performance of art songs by Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) and his contemporary composers. Included are the little known art songs of the great opera composers: Verdi, Puccini. Powerful, sensitive, dramatic and moving.

Steven Marking with his striking stage presence, rich

Renowned pianist Ian Hobson and baritone Steven Marking team up for  a stunning performance of art songs by  Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) and his contemporary composers. Included are the little known art songs of the great opera composers: Verdi, Puccini. Powerful, sensitive, dramatic and moving.

Steven Marking with his striking stage presence, rich baritone voice, and impeccable diction captivated the Italians--Corriere della Sera, Milano.

Arturo Toscanini 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 Steven was asked to do a concert tour of Italy with Walfredo Toscanini, Arturo’s grandson, and Walfredo’s wife Elaine, an accomplished accompanist. At each concert Walfredo would speak of his grandfather and his strong working relationships with his contemporary Italian composers. Elaine would then accompany me in the beautiful art songs written by those composers. The concerts were well received. "Steven Marking with his striking stage presence, rich baritone voice, and impeccable diction captivated the Italians." --Corriere della Sera, Milano Steve have done a great deal of performing with pianist/conductor Ian Hobson. When Ian asked Steve if there was a special project he would like to record, Steve mentioned 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. These two phenomenal artists recorded Toscanini and Friends in Foellinger Great Hall at the Krannert Center for the performing arts in Champagne Urbana, Illinois.