A transcendental and charismatic artist, Sir John Barbirolli did much to shape the performance environment of his age. Having famously saved Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra from near extinction during the darkest days of the Second World War, he went on to become one of Britain’s greatest cultural ambassadors. His deeply committed readings of his compatriots’ music, his penetrating interpretations of the Austro-German, Russian and Italian canons, and his wide-ranging discography regularly left critics, audiences and musicians reaching for superlatives. He was truly a musician’s musician and the embodiment of a national treasure. By throwing new light on the ways in which Barbirolli went about achieving his artistic goals, Raymond Holden has created an important new book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the art and craft of music-making.
The Ten Essays in celebration of Sir John Barbirolli –
ESSAY ONE: In Defence of the Realm: Barbirolli and British Music (Part One) – Boy Cellist to Novice Music Director
ESSAY TWO: A Knight at the Opera: Barbirolli and the Lyric Theatre
ESSAY THREE: In Defence of the Realm: Barbirolli and British Music (Part Two) – From New York to Manchester
ESSAY FOUR: A Life Recorded: Barbirolli and the Gramophone
ESSAY FIVE: A Cockney Down Under: Sir John Barbirolli in Australia
ESSAY SIX: From the Cradle to the Grave: Barbirolli, Elgar and In the South (Alassio)
ESSAY SEVEN: Bruckner 8: Sir John Barbirolli’s London Swansong
ESSAY EIGHT: What the Papers Say: Barbirolli, Sibelius and the Critics
ESSAY NINE: From Mystery to Monument: Barbirolli, Mahler and the Second Symphony
ESSAY TEN: Barbirolli on the Art and Craft of Conducting
As erudite as it is engaging, Raymond Holden’s new book on Sir John Barbirolli is essential reading for musicians and music-lovers alike. This marvellous book is a fitting celebration of a magnificent artist.’ Dame Gwyneth Jones, DBE
As the peerless authority in his subject, Raymond Holden always compels us to regard Barbirolli as the British musical flame that never seems to dim, whose legacy continues to touch and inspire us.’ Professor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, CBE, Principal, Royal Academy of Music
