… getting him back again

Without massive persuasion it was unlikely that Toscanini would return to the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Who best could apply the requisite pressure? Boult himself could not be expected to chase the Maestro across Europe; indeed, he could not have maintained his remarkable dual role as Director of Music and Chief Conductor at all without substantial delegation and highly competent assistants. Crucial in the direction and organisation of programmes were Edward Clark, an inspirational and innovative musician with extensive European contacts, and Julian Herbage, whose organisational talent dealt with detailed scheduling and practical aspects of broadcasting requirements. Clark's departure from the BBC in March 1936 left a void almost impossible to fill but it is not surprising that the BBC dispensed with his services. Hardly a conventional organisation man, many of his activities raised hackles among his colleagues and others whom he managed to offend. All too typical of Clark's way of operating was the tale of his mission to establish contact with Toscanini in Monte Carlo in January 1936 in the course of one of his European trips, in order to discuss the conductor's programmes for the 1936 Festival. He became so distracted by musical matters more to his immediate interest that he lost sight of this important mission altogether, with a consequent further diminution in Toscanini's esteem for the BBC.