Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Nineteenth Century - by Leonard Slatkin (Paperback)

About the Book

Leonard Slatkin delves into eight of the most beloved orchestral pieces of the nineteenth century and tackles problems conductors face before stepping onto the podium, providing tips that will help bring these works to life on the stage. He covers works by Mussorgsky, Berlioz, Brahms, Dvorák, Sibelius, Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Tchaikovsky.

Book Synopsis

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 Dvorák'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.

Review Quotes

"A great curriculum tells its students not so much what to think but how: what criteria can, or should, govern the choices one makes. After reading Leonard Slatkin's Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Nineteenth Century--a deeply informed and inspiring study--one feels prepared to step onto the podium to lead an orchestra in an interpretation both masterful and individual from the very first rehearsal. Both neophyte and experienced conductors will find this book a gift to treasure." --Mark Adamo, composer-librettist

A great curriculum tells its students not so much what to think but how what criteria can, or should, govern the choices one makes. After reading Leonard Slatkinrsquo;s Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Nineteenth Centurymdash;a deeply informed and inspiring studymdash;one feels prepared to step onto the podium to lead an orchestra in an interpretation both masterful and individual from the very first rehearsal. Both neophyte and experienced conductors will find this book a gift to treasure.

About the Author

Internationally acclaimed conductor Leonard Slatkin is music director laureate of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, directeur musical honoraire of the Orchestre National de Lyon, and conductor laureate of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He maintains a rigorous schedule of guest conducting and is active as a composer, author, and educator. A six-time Grammy winner, Slatkin is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and holds the rank of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, composer Cindy McTee.