The Conductor Who Openly Defied Fascism (And Was Beaten for It)
Arturo Toscanini’s temper contributed to his image as an intense conductor, but it has also made him one of music’s most staunch opponents of injustice, with the conductor once declaring: “If I were capable of killing a man, I would kill Mussolini.”
By Joseph John L. Verallo · June 1, 2026
In 1922, Benito Mussolini and his National Fascist Party rose to power when Fascist Party leaders and Blackshirt paramilitaries planned their March on Rome. Before this, the once Fascist-enthusiast Arturo Toscanini had already been growing disillusioned with Mussolini and the party's increasing authoritarianism.
The conductor’s reputation by then was known throughout the world, especially in his native Italy. Mussolini had described him as “the greatest conductor in the world.” Despite earning his favor, Toscanini was an open critic of Mussolini, opposing to conduct on multiple occasions the Giovinezza, the anthem of the Fascist Party.
It was with one particular refusal on May 14, 1931, that the conductor was unfairly apprehended for it. Toscanini was invited to play at the Teatro Comunale in Bologna that evening. Departing from his car with his wife and daughter, he was making his way to the theater doors before he was approached by a group of Blackshirts. The men were brusquely asking the conductor if he would perform the Giovinezza, to which Toscanini plainly refused once again.
In response, the men would begin to assault him. Toscanini was rushed back to his hotel, where even there, he found no rest, as a group of fascists surrounded the premises. Fortunately, a fellow musician, Ottorino Respighi, was able to procure safe passage back to Milan for Toscanini.
The incident only furthered the already hostile relationship between Mussolini and Toscanini, who, despite writing a letter of complaint, received no reply from the dictator. He would also reject offers to perform in Germany when it was under the rule of Adolf Hitler. In reaction to the crimes of the Third Reich, Toscanini would join with Polish-Jewish violinist Bronislaw Huberman in gathering Jewish musicians who had been forcibly removed from orchestras throughout Europe. Huberman would later organize the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, with its inaugural concert conducted by Toscanini.