“Indispensable, lucid, detailed, thorough and persuasive—Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Twentieth Century is not so much a masterclass as an entire curriculum in the art of orchestral conducting. Composers can only pray for the transparency, temporal architecture, and force that Leonard Slatkin brings both to his interpretations on the podium as well as to the principles and techniques he articulates so eloquently here.”

Mark Adamo, composer-librettist

Reading this book is akin to watching a basketball game with Shaquille O'Neal. Gold-plated insights from a master of the field are delivered with charm and wit. Slatkin’s brilliant observations about these works widen one's understanding of the entire canon, making this book is essential reading.

Mason Bates, GRAMMY Award-winning composer

“Leonard Slatkin is an excellent writer with clarity and substance. This book is a treasure for conductors, but anyone with a deep interest in these works will find each chapter fascinating. He not only deals with the specifics of conducting the works but also their history and general performance issues. Every serious conductor should read this and benefit from Slatkin’s tremendous experience and knowledge.”

Gerard Schwarz, music director laureate, Seattle Symphony Orchestra

[Eight Symphonic Masterworks of the Twentieth Century] reflects a lifetime of study and podium experience at the highest level…. while young conductors will benefit most from these analyses, anyone who can read a score and loves music will learn a lot from this book.

Classical Voice North America

Slatkin provides a detailed yet concise analysis, explores interpretive challenges, and offers advice on matters such as score study, tempo and dynamics, phrasing and articulation, instrumental balance and expression and interpretation. And although he encourages conductors to “find their own unique interpretations”, he also recognizes the value of observing the great conductors of the past and listening to their recordings. As for us listeners, this book will prove a treasure trove of insider knowledge that can only enhance our understanding and enjoyment of the music.

Limelight Magazine

Leonard Slatkin’s fourth book is aimed at budding and on-the-rise conductors, and also, I suggest, those who listen forensically. As such this tome will be an invaluable companion, analytically and invitingly written by a very experienced musician generously sharing his knowledge and wisdom as to the best ways to communicate intentions in these selected pieces to an orchestra (you’ll need published scores in conjunction with the author’s words). Armchair conductors needn’t hesitate either, for following through the script while listening to a recording could be rewarding, or things learned might be useful at unexpected times…. It’s excellent, beautifully presented, and should be a boon to the people it’s aimed at, and also those curious about the preparation for a performance, the study and the rehearsal.

Colins Column