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 Charry not only gives us invaluable insights into ... Read morehis 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 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 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 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 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.
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