Written by many working conductors, this book considers all facets of musical conducting. It includes practical advice on how to conduct different groups (choral, opera, symphony, early music) and a history of conducting presented as a study of national traditions. Designed for the lay reader who wants an inside look at the world of conducting as well as for potential students, it is a revealing study about a secretive industry. Managers, artistic directors, soloists, players and conductors openly discuss their different perspectives in this comprehensive work.

Part I. Practice: 1. The technique of conducting Raymond Holden; 2. Conductors in rehearsal Charles Barber; 3. Studio conduction Michael Haas; 4. The conductor and the soloist Joseph Silverstein; 5. Choral conducting Vance George; 6. Opera conducting Sir Charles Mackerras; 7. The orchestra speaks Robert L. Ripley; Part II. History: 8. The rise of conductors José Antonio Bowen; 9. The central European tradition José Antonio Bowen and Raymond Holden; 10. The French tradition David Cairns; 11. The Italian tradition Michael Rose; 12. The American tradition José Antonio Bowen and David Mermelstein; 13. The English tradition Stephen Johnson; 14. The Russian tradition David Nice; Part III. Issues: 15. The conductor as Artistic Director Bramwell Tovey; 16. Women on the podium Michelle Edwards; 17. Conducting early music Bernard Sherman; 18. Training conductors Harold Faberman; 19. The composer/conductor and modern music Martyn Brabbins; 20. Managers and the business of conduction Stephen Wright; 21. The future of conducting Leon Botstein.