Alfred Wallenstein (1898-1983) was an American cellist and conductor. He served as principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic under Toscanini before moving increasingly into conducting.

Wallenstein conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic and made numerous recordings, including accompaniments for major soloists. In the Pristine catalogue he appears with Beecham, Szigeti and Rubinstein-related repertory.

His conducting was practical, clear and supportive, shaped by a performer’s ear for solo line. He understood orchestral texture from inside the string section as well as from the podium.

Wallenstein is a useful figure in American recording and concert history: not a flamboyant legend, but a highly capable musician whose work sits underneath many important performances.