"And I needed both of them, " said Mr. Francesconi, who has his own plans for adding to the historical record.

WSJ: Saving Carnegie Hall | Gino Francesconi | Cultural Conversation by Joanne Kaufman

"Judith had an uncanny talent for spotting unique talent in others, " Mr. Francesconi said, referring to Judith Arron, the hall's late general manager and artistic director.

WSJ: Saving Carnegie Hall | Gino Francesconi | Cultural Conversation by Joanne Kaufman

Mr. Francesconi had always hoped Carnegie would figure prominently in his career, but he'd been thinking more along the lines of conducting Respighi than conducting research.

WSJ: Saving Carnegie Hall | Gino Francesconi | Cultural Conversation by Joanne Kaufman