Description
Book SynopsisA comprehensive biography of one of the twentieth century's greatest conductors
Trade ReviewReceived the Best Historical Research in Recorded Classical Music Award from the Association for Recorded Sound Collection (ARSC), 2012.
"Reading this book would serve as a manual of music appreciation. Charry's tribute reflects the scope and brilliance of Szell's career, in the careful detailing of his performances and music critics' opinions of them."--Ohioana Quarterly
"A discerning and highly informed new biography. Charry makes a convincing case for admiring his subject's skill in musical matters without concealing Szell's many personality flaws."--
Forward"Charry not only gives us invaluable insights into his leadership style and musical tastes ... but details some of the financial and political issues facing the orchestra during that era. . . . Perhaps the book’s greatest value lies in humanizing a man whom many have come to see as a humorless (or perhaps joyless) martinet."
SymphonyNow"A magnificent achievement. I was especially impressed by Mr. Charry's skill in conveying a deep admiration for his subject without falling into the trap of fawning or idol-worshipping--a quality seldom encountered in biographies of great conductors."--Stephen C. Hillyer, past president of the Fritz Reiner Society
"A fine biography of one of the 20th century's greatest classical conductors. This thorough biography of one of the most important figures on the American classical scene in the post-World War II era is a valuable contribution to the literature on classical music."--
Library Journal"Charry’s achievement is unlikely to be surpassed for a long time, if ever, and the reader will come away with a real depth of insight into this towering, complex figure, which can only enhance our appreciation of his extraordinary accomplishment and artistic legacy."--
Fanfare"Charry examines Szell's personal life in greater detail than has been afforded before, with a trove of previously unpublished letters. . . . Straightforward and erudite."--
The Wall Street Journal"Musicians, concertgoers, and general readers will be captivated by the author's behind-the-scenes look at what goes into shaping a world-class orchestra."--
The Washington Times "An excellent job of chronicling the everyday life of professional musicians."--
HuffingtonPost.com "Given the conductor's close identification with a symphonic orchestra, the extent of Szell's operatic experience may come as a surprise to some readers. Charry has done excellent work in illuminating this overshadowed facet of Szell's career."--
Opera News "A lively and balanced portrait of Szell's life and work."--
Opera America "Very well written and will surely appeal to anyone with an interest in George Szell."--
American Record Guide "There is surely no one more qualified than Michael Charry to write Szell's biography."--
Musical OpinionTable of ContentsPreface ix
Acknowledgments xv
Abbreviations xix
Chronology xxi
Introduction 1
1. The New Mozart (1897-1929) 3
2. The Conductor Spreads His Wings (1930-38) 23
3. Musical Pioneering in Australia (1938, 1939) 42
4. New World, New Beginnings (1939-46) 56
5. Cleveland: Contest and Commitment (1942-47) 78
6. Szell, the Orchestra Builder (1947-54) 105
7. George Szell and Rudolf Bing (1953-54) 141
8. Keeping the Promise: "Second to None" (1954-57) 149
9. The Golden Years (1957-65) 172
10. The Cleveland Orchestra in the World (1965-68) 223
11. Summers at Home 254
12. Finale: Cleveland, Japan, Korea, Anchorage, Cleveland (1968-70) 270
Epilogue 289
In Szell's Words 291
Appendix A. "On the 150th Anniversary of Schumann's Birth," by George Szell 295
Appendix B. Staff and Kulas Foundation Conductors under George Szell 299
Appendix C. Apprentice Conductor Qualifications 301
Appendix D. 1957 European Tour Repertoire 303
Appendix E. 1965 European Tour Repertoire 305
Appendix F. Szell's Repertoire 307
Discography 331
Notes 355
Bibliography 397
Index 399
Illustrations follow page 104
