Conducting Elgar

Conducting Elgar

This is the final book in the series on orchestral conducting that Norman Del Mar had been writing until his death in February 1994. As with the previous books, each chapter is devoted to a specific work, and once again all the major orchestral works of this important composer are covered. The book culminates in an important study of The Dream of Gerontius completed by his son Jonathan, himself a conductor. Norman Del Mar was renowned in his generation as an interpreter of English music and in particular for his understanding of Elgar's music. His explanations of the subtleties of guiding an orchestra through these magnificent scores are an invaluable help to all those who seek to clarify this elusive music. Elgar's own recordings are frequently consulted but not always accepted. `In this book the author brings his vast experience to bear on the problems of all the major orchestral works of the composer ... Del Mar clearly knew and loved his Elgar ... As one reads through this book fascination grows, and non-musicians will realise how much planning goes into a performance ... This is a remarkable work, both for the scholar and for the Elgar enthusiast. Amateur, and budding professional, musicians should make it one of their major text-books.' Ronald Taylor, Elgar Society Journal Each chapter is devoted to a specific work and all the major orchestral works of this important composer are covered. Norman Del Mar (died 1994) was an eminent orchestral conductor with many years experience. He taught conducting at the Guildhall School of Music (1954-60), the Royal College of Music (1971-90), and at a number of international conducting seminars. Jonathan Del Mar is a musicologist, writer, and conductor. He has prepared a complete Urtext edition of Beethoven's Choral Symphony. He worked closely with his father on all his recent books.