This book is a must-read for anyone interested in acquiring a “back-stage” tour of symphony life, not included in the price of a box-office ticket!
GAIN a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra asa family; its discipline, artistry, and devotion, the overwhelming audi tion process, and the good and bad about the orchestra–musicians' profession.
LEARN about the love-hate relationship between musicians and conductors as the author shares his experiences performing underconductors Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Edo DeWaart, Herbert Blomsted, Mic hael Tilson Thomas, Eugene Ormandy, Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, and Arthur Fiedler.
DISCOVER conductors' dictatorial control, interpretative powers, and technical skills, as revealed through quotes from James Levine, John Barbariolli, Gustav Mahler, Daniel Barenboim, and Herbert von Karajan.
EXAMINE comments from Leonard Bernstein, Arturo Toscanini, Carl Nielsen, and Lou Harrison that bring a unique awareness to avante-garde music in the chapter titled Cruel and Unmusical.
UNDERSTAND the difference between conducting talent and composing talent and how rare it is to possess both.
Click here for a YouTube video on The Great American Symphony Orchestra
