Book Review: “Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Nineteenth Century. A Study Guide for Conductors.” By Leonard Slatkin.

This short notice is by way of mentioning that Leonard Slatkin’s second “Study Guide” is now available, and it’s every bit as erudite and illuminating as the first one, and not just for budding maestros, for it also makes a handsome complement to armchair listening. I’m a little sorry that Schubert Nine (‘Great C-major’) is not included given Slatkin’s very distinguished recording of it (see below), but the choices are all regular repertoire and Slatkin’s eminently readable and helpful guidance will add interest and insights – whether the reader is preparing to give a performance or about to listen to one, live or recorded.

***

“Based on his decades of experience conducting these works, Leonard Slatkin guides readers through eight of the most beloved orchestral pieces of the nineteenth century:

· Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”

· Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (orch. Maurice Ravel)

· Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique

· Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 1

· Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”

· Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2

· Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade

· Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique”

Slatkin tackles problems conductors face before stepping onto the podium and highlights the many decisions they make during the study process, as well as in rehearsal and performance, to bring a score to life. He also shares tricks of the trade for leading efficient rehearsals and recounts engaging anecdotes from a lifetime of music making. This book will open the world of score study to conductors, other musicians, and students interested in expanding their knowledge of this essential repertoire.”

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 232 • Trim: 6¼ x 9¼

978-1-5381-8718-0 • Hardback • December 2024 • $90.00 • (£69.00)

978-1-5381-8719-7 • Paperback • December 2024 • $34.00 • (£25.00)

978-1-5381-8720-3 • eBook • October 2024 • $32.00 • (£25.00)

Subjects:Music / Instruction & Study / Conducting, Music / Genres & Styles / Classical, Music / Reference