Description
Book SynopsisOver the past century, the Philadelphia Orchestra has earned its reputation as one of the finest orchestras in the world. Philadelphia Maestros tells the tale of this marvelous orchestra through the tenures of three conductors: Eugene Ormandy, Riccardo Muti, and Wolfgang Sawallisch. With their singular approaches to sound and public image, all three maestros left an indelible mark on the Orchestra, and the cultural life of the city of Philadelphia. A lifelong fan and scholar of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Phyllis White Rodr\u00edguez-Peralta paints intimate portraits of the conductors using archival material and interviews with musicians, including pianists Gary Graffman and Lang Lang, and violinist Sarah Chang. Rodr\u00edguez-Peralta's text captivates as she recounts Eugene Ormandy's performance as a last-minute substitute for guest conductor Arturo Toscanini; Riccardo Muti's magnetic presence and international fame; and the role of Wolfgang Sawallisch in moving the Orchestra to its grand new hall at the Kimmel Center. Engaging and entertaining, Philadelphia Maestros will be a welcome addition to any aficionado's bookshelf.
Trade Review"The author's affection and good cheer can be felt on every page.... [She] has gathered most of the relevant information after perusing archival materials and conducting a few interviews, and has set it all out in a diverting manner.... Rodriguez-Peralta manages to draw three very distinct artists and personalities."
—The Jewish Exponent
Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE CHAPTER ONE ... EUGENE ORMANDY CHAPTER TWO ... RICCARDO MUTI CHAPTER THREE ...WOLFGANG SAWALLISCH CHAPTER FOUR ... VOICES FROM THE MUSIC WORLD Gary Graffman, Lang Lang, Sarah Chang SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX
