Eight symphonic masterworks of the twentieth century : a study guide for conductors

Based on his decades of experience conducting these works, Leonard Slatkin delves into eight of the most beloved orchestral pieces of the twentieth century and the problems conductors face before stepping onto the podium.

These works are:Claude Debussy’s La MerDmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5Béla Bartók’s Concerto for OrchestraIgor Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring)George Gershwin’s An American in ParisAaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring SuiteSamuel Barber’s Adagio for StringsBenjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the OrchestraEach essay includes some history, what to understand before the first rehearsal, and an almost bar-by-bar guide to the pieces.

It goes into what conductors need to know during the score study process, as well as in rehearsal and performance, to bring a work to life.

Slatkin also shares many tricks of the trade aimed at making rehearsals as efficient as possible and includes engaging anecdotes useful for learning the works. These essays will open up the world of score study to conductors, other musicians, and students interested in expanding their knowledge of these eight works.