Fritz Reiner: Maestro & Martinet, Morgan

Personally enigmatic and often described as difficult to work with, Fritz Reiner was renowned for the dynamic galvanization of the orchestras he led, a nearly unrivaled technical ability and high professional standards. His influence in the United States began in the early 1920s and lasted until his death, including nine years as Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1953-1962). Under his leadership, the Orchestra made landmark recordings for RCA Records and the Chicago Symphony Chorus was founded — the first permanent choral ensemble affiliated with a major symphony orchestra in the United States. Reiner was deeply committed to serious music in American life, especially through the promotion of new scores.

In Fritz Reiner: Maestro & Martinet, Kenneth Morgan paints a very real portrait of a man who was both his own worst enemy and one of the true titans of his profession.