Fritz Reiner: Maestro & Martinet, Morgan

Author: Kenneth Morgan
Format: Paperback, 360 pages
Publisher: University of Illinois Press (2005)
ISBN: 9780252077302

“Exhaustively reviewing Reiner’s commentary on conducting and his interpretive choices in musical performance, Morgan analyzes and defines Reiner’s musical legacy. The result is a much more complete portrait of this musical titan than we had before.” — Opera News

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 9 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.