Beethoven's Fifth Symphony - First Movement

In this clip, Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) conducts the NBC Orchestra's performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, first movement.  The March 22, 1952 telecast originated at Carnegie Hall. 

Toscanini had celebrated his 85th birthday three days before. 

Engineers running the program were unfamiliar with Carnegie Hall.  Consequently, by the end of the performance, the temperature in the hall was uncomfortably warm and the conductor was sweating profusely.  He never led his musicians in another live telecast again.

After Toscanini retired at age 87 (following his April 4, 1954 concert), the NBC Symphony Orchestra (NBCSO) was disbanded.

Credits

Toscanini conducting the NBC Symphony Orchestra (NBCSO) in their March 22, 1952 performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67, first movement, at Carnegie Hall.  Clip online, courtesy GreatPerformers Channel at YouTube.