I have the 1939 set, and also the newly remastered 1950s set.  The new
mastering has brought out much that was obscured in all previous issues,
and I find it very pleasing.

Over the years I have blown hot and cold with these records, but finally I
am enjoying them very much.  The Eroica, Ninth, and the Missa Solemnis are
absolutely marvelous.

You asked about Toscanini's politics-- he was a firm, and very public,
anti-fascist and anti-nazi.  The opposite of Furtwangler.  Where
Furtwangler was timid, Toscanini was as fiery as his performances.

Bill S