Dr. Luis Viquez explores the conducting artistry of Arturo Toscanini — focusing specifically on his use of the baton as both a musical instrument and a symbol of moral and artistic leadership. As one of the most influential conductors of the 20th century, Toscanini transformed conducting gestures into expressive acts that shaped orchestral sound with precision and artistic conscience. By critically studying primary sources of works frequently conducted by the maestro (including the Ricordi critical edition of Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi, facsimile scores, and contemporary texts on Toscanini’s rehearsal practices and political stance), this research aims to illuminate how the baton functioned as a vehicle of both artistic and ethical expression — demonstrating how Music and Performing Arts, through the field of Conducting, can serve as cultural memory, moral resistance, and humanistic engagement.