Art isn't easy, and neither is pulling it all together in modern musical conducting. Brown touches upon `as many aspects as possible' relating to this topic, covering everything from the simple `a' (the pitch that is sounded for tuning an orchestra) to influential conductors such as Jaap van Zweden, principal conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Included are eight appendixes ... Read morecovering conducting history; specifics on instruments, rhythm, and pitch; and an analysis of `Six Pieces That Changed Conducting,' with musical chart excerpts included. Verdict: This volume offers a worthwhile symphonic exploration of the conductor's craft.
Library Journal
[T]his new work by Brown offers many unique terms, revealing a trove of information about the practice and ethos of conducting. The entries vary in length from concise definitions to long entries for musical terms that have particular implications for conducting practice alongside substantial biographical-historical entries for prominent individuals, institutions, corporations, and publications. Especially interesting is the author's advice conveyed in exemplary entries such as `Conducting from memory,' `Monteux's `Rules for Young Conductors,'' or `Psychology of the conductor-orchestra relationship.' Timely matters of technology and communication are also covered (e.g., `Blu-ray disc,' `Google Play Books,' `International Music Score Library Project,' and the sensational `YouTube Symphony Orchestra'). The book's practical aspects are revealed in entries on instruments, listing their characteristics and ranges (including transposition tables for horn and trumpet), conducting gestures (illustrated by black-and-white drawings), and musical terms with cross-references for synonymous English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish concepts. Eight appendixes on historical and practical topics round out the volume. . . .[T]he volume makes a worthy addition to the personal collections of student and professional conductors and to libraries supporting music programs. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty; professionals/practitioners.
CHOICE
A highlight is the keen insight into the legendary personalities of the world's most famous conductors, with which modern audiences may not be familiar. . . .[T]his volume would prove useful to the music school or conservatory student; the public library user or college student would certainly find the information informative.
American Reference Books Annual
[T]his is a volume that even the most score-literate and well-traveled conductor should find revealing.
Symphony
This book is a very good combination of dictionary format, making it easy to look up particular topics in a pure A-Z format, whether the meaning of an Italian term or information about a musician, instrument or key work.... The book is aimed at students and fulfills that aim in its range and attractive layout.... However, as a reference work of useful terms and quick background facts, it could be extremely useful. Libraries would find it helpful especially in academic institutions teaching music.
Reference Reviews
Emily Freeman Brown's Dictionary for the Modern Conductor is an astonishing document-the first to acknowledge and examine the vast skill requirements of the 21st century conductor. The book is a veritable cornucopia of information-from foreign terms to bowing techniques, from biographical sketches to little-known percussion instruments, from major works of music to rehearsal strategies-and much more. Brown has collected a lifetime of experience, scholarship and wisdom in a lavishly generous volume that will become indispensable.
JoAnn Falletta, conductor Show Less