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 tackles problems conductors face before stepping onto the podium. These works are:

• Claude Debussy's La Mer
• Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5
• Béla Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra
• Igor Stravinsky's Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring)
• George Gershwin's An American in Paris
• Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring Suite
• Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings
• Benjamin Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra

Each 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.

Internationally acclaimed conductor Leonard Slatkin is music director laureate of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, directeur musical honoraire of the Orchestre National de Lyon, and conductor laureate of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He maintains a rigorous schedule of guest conducting and is active as a composer, author, and educator. A six-time Grammy winner, Slatkin is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and holds the rank of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, composer Cindy McTee.