Publisher's Synopsis
As no less a luminary than Sir Adrian Boult admitted, 'There is an enormous amount of bluff in conducting'. Not to mention egomania, machismo, manic depression, self-destructive tendencies, avarice, licentiousness, fakery, tyranny, rivalry and naked self-interest. As well as courage, integrity, charm, candour, sartorial élan and technical brilliance. This book leads us allegro con brio through a century of recorded music and the maestri who dominated the podium.