Walfredo Toscanini
Actor
About Walfredo Toscanini
Walfredo Toscanini was an Italian-American architect and historical consultant, best known to cinema history for his appearance as himself in the 1944 Office of War Information documentary 'Hymn of the Nations'. Born in Milan in 1929, he was the grandson of the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini and the son of Walter Toscanini and prima ballerina Cia Fornaroli. He immigrated to the United States at the age of nine in 1938, fleeing the fascist regime in Italy with his family. His appearance in 'Hymn of the Nations' served a symbolic purpose, representing the legacy of Italian culture and the democratic future of Italy during World War II. After his brief brush with the film world, he pursued a distinguished career in architecture, graduating from the Yale School of Architecture and working on major projects such as the seating plans for Philharmonic Hall. Throughout his life, he remained the primary steward of his grandfather's immense artistic legacy, facilitating the donation of the Toscanini papers to the New York Public Library. He was often referred to as 'the last of the Toscaninis' as he was the last male descendant to carry the surname and have personal memories of the Maestro.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic/Self-portrayal; appeared as himself in a documentary context.
Milestones
- Appeared in the Academy Award-nominated documentary 'Hymn of the Nations' (1944)
- Graduated from the Yale University School of Architecture
- Served as the primary steward and archivist for the Arturo Toscanini Legacy
- Designed seating plans for the Philharmonic Hall (now David Geffen Hall) at Lincoln Center
- Served as Deputy Mayor and City Councilman of New Rochelle, New York
- Facilitated the donation of the massive Toscanini collection to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- The film 'Hymn of the Nations' was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short (1945)
Special Recognition
- Consultant for the 'Arturo Toscanini: Hommage to the Maestro' exhibition (2007)
- Consultant for 'Five Hundred Years of Italian Dance' exhibition (2006)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Walfredo Toscanini's primary cultural impact was through the preservation of 20th-century musical history. By appearing in 'Hymn of the Nations', he helped humanize the anti-fascist struggle of Italian exiles for an American audience. His later work as an architect and civic leader in New York contributed to the physical and political landscape of the region, while his archival work ensured that the recordings and papers of one of the greatest conductors in history were preserved for future generations.
Lasting Legacy
He is remembered as the 'gentle grandson' of the famously fiery Arturo Toscanini. His legacy is inextricably linked to the 'Toscanini Legacy' collection at the New York Public Library, which he spent decades organizing and protecting. In the world of cinema, he remains a poignant figure in wartime documentary history, representing the continuity of Italian culture in the face of political upheaval.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the field of musicology and archival science by providing primary source identifications for thousands of historical photographs and documents related to the Golden Age of conducting.
Off Screen
Walfredo was the only son of Walter Toscanini and the dancer Cia Fornaroli. He was married to Elaine Troostwyk, a musician, for 53 years until his death. He was a dedicated Democratic party activist and was deeply involved in his local community in New Rochelle.
Education
Yale University School of Architecture
Family
- Elaine Troostwyk (married 1958-2011)
Did You Know?
- He was the last male descendant of Arturo Toscanini to bear the family name.
- He immigrated to the US on the same ship as his grandfather to escape Mussolini's Italy.
- His mother, Cia Fornaroli, was the prima ballerina at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera.
- He was an accomplished painter and artist, a talent his grandfather Arturo highly encouraged.
- He worked for the architectural firm Harrison & Abramowitz during the construction of Lincoln Center.
- He served as a historical consultant for several documentaries about his grandfather's life.
- His nickname among family and close friends was 'Dedè'.
In Their Own Words
Family has meant the most to me, with all its ups and downs. I have learned that if I don't stick by my principles, I can't live with myself.
With me, the name of the Toscaninis will disappear. At least that of the conductor's descendants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Walfredo Toscanini?
Walfredo Toscanini was an architect and the grandson of the famous conductor Arturo Toscanini. He is known in film history for appearing in the 1944 documentary 'Hymn of the Nations'.
What films is Walfredo Toscanini best known for?
He is primarily known for the wartime documentary 'Hymn of the Nations' (1944), which featured his grandfather conducting the music of Giuseppe Verdi.
When was Walfredo Toscanini born and when did they die?
He was born on August 16, 1929, in Milan, Italy, and passed away on December 31, 2011, in New Rochelle, New York.
What was Walfredo Toscanini's profession outside of film?
He was a highly respected architect who graduated from Yale and worked on major New York landmarks, as well as a civic leader in New Rochelle.
How did Walfredo Toscanini contribute to his grandfather's legacy?
He spent much of his life managing the 'Toscanini Legacy,' eventually donating a massive collection of scores, letters, and recordings to the New York Public Library.
Learn More
Films
1 film
