Welcome to Litsy!

I think the intro just really put me off. The intro spoke a lot about how pompous conductors are, and the first few chapters didn't do anything to make the subjects more relatable. Also, lots of "but we'll talk about that later."

This was a really enjoyable read. There is a lot of material here that might challenge a reader who isn‘t familiar with music, but there are also fascinating stories and anecdotes about composers and performers that hold your interest. Plus, taking a picture was an excuse for me to dig out my baton😊

I am really savoring this book. With my graduate degree in music history, I love the historical background of conducting that he includes. The author has a lot of experience as an opera conductor, and as my research was on the history of opera, I find his insights about operas fascinating. As a director who has waved her arms around in front of choruses and handbell choirs, I‘m learning a lot from his approach to music.

Loved this! If I would have read this last year it probably would have been on my list of favorites for the year. And he references the performances of The Flying Dutchman that I attended when he was musical director of the Pittsburgh Opera!

Not sure how I missed this when @MrBook included this as a #TBRtemptation a few months ago. We stopped at the library this morning so hubby could renew his card, and this jumped out at me as I went looking for a nonfiction read. I love choral conducting, although this appears to focus on orchestral conductors. Really looking forward to reading both books.

#TBRtemptation post 1! Just released. From a celebrated conductor whose international career has spanned half a century, you'll learn the enigmatic art and craft of conducting through a rich, accessible, and beautifully illustrated introduction. How they approach a piece, what it takes to communicate to hundreds by mere gesture, what happens in the workroom and on the red carpet, and more, will be revealed. #blameLitsy #blameMrBook 😎