The Great Conductors

The Great Conductors chronicles the evolution of orchestral conducting from the 18th century through the mid-20th century. Through biographical profiles and historical analysis, music critic Harold C. Schonberg examines the conductors who shaped classical music performance. The book traces the development of conducting technique, interpretation styles, and the growing authority of conductors in the orchestra world. Schonberg includes detailed accounts of major figures like Toscanini, Furtwängler, Stokowski, and other influential maestros who defined their eras. Through extensive research and firsthand observations, Schonberg documents the personalities, philosophies, and musical approaches that distinguished each conductor. The text incorporates reviews, correspondence, musician accounts, and cultural context from each period. This comprehensive history reveals how individual conductors' artistic choices and leadership styles transformed the role of the conductor and the nature of orchestral performance itself. The book explores the complex relationship between tradition, innovation, and the search for musical truth.

Readers appreciate the detailed biographical sketches and historical context provided by Schonberg, with many highlighting the author's ability to capture the personalities and conducting styles of major figures like Toscanini and Furtwängler. Many note the accessible writing style makes complex musical concepts understandable for non-musicians. Common criticisms include Schonberg's occasional bias toward certain conductors and what some see as an overly harsh treatment of others. Several readers point out dated language and attitudes reflective of the book's 1967 publication. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (53 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 ratings) From reader reviews: "Provides fascinating insights into the evolution of conducting" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on European/male conductors, ignores important contributions from others" - Amazon reviewer "The anecdotes bring these historical figures to life" - LibraryThing reviewer "Could have used more discussion of technique rather than personality" - Goodreads reviewer

The Maestro Myth: Great Conductors in Pursuit of Power by Norman Lebrecht This history chronicles the connections between conductors and their business dealings, exploring how power and music intersect in the classical world.

The Art of Conducting by Hermann Scherchen A technical examination of conducting techniques draws from the author's experience leading major European orchestras in the early 20th century.

Musicians & Conductors by Erich Leinsdorf This memoir combines performance insights with behind-the-scenes accounts of orchestral life from a conductor who led the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The Cambridge Companion to Conducting by José Antonio Bowen This collection presents essays on conducting history, technique, and practice from multiple perspectives within the classical music field.

Inside Conducting by Christopher Seaman This guide explains conducting methods through examples from standard orchestral repertoire and experiences with professional orchestras.

🎭 Harold C. Schonberg was the first music critic to win the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism (1971), though it wasn't for this book specifically. 🎼 The book covers not just musical interpretation but the evolution of the conductor's role - from time-beater to artistic interpreter - over three centuries. 🎵 Many conductors featured in the book, like Wilhelm Furtwängler and Herbert von Karajan, were recorded using early magnetic tape technology, allowing Schonberg to analyze their actual performances rather than rely solely on written accounts. 🎪 The position of conductor as we know it today didn't exist until the 19th century - before that, orchestras were often led by the concertmaster (first violinist) or from the keyboard. 🎹 Several conductors profiled in the book started as composers, including Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss, bringing unique perspectives to their interpretations of others' works.