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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.

Before his death in 1994, Norman Del Mar was acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on the orchestra. Anatomy of the Orchestra is written not only for fellow conductors, players, students, and professional musicians, but also for everyone interested in the performance of orchestral music.

This collection of essays on the interpretation of twenty-two unusual concert pieces was assembled partly with a view to more imaginative program planning. There are many composers who may have written only one or two masterpieces, yet failed to leave a worthy oeuvre; these sadly are often forgotten or overlooked when conductors assemble programs. This compilation spans a little over a hundred years from the 19th and 20th centuries and all the works are colorful and attractive. Once again Norman Del Mar brings his expertise in handling the orchestra to a wide variety of styles. His infectious enthusiasm and broad knowledge make him an invaluable guide to the aspiring conductor, the expert, and the music-loving listener. The essays range from Russia to Spain, from Schoenberg to Kod ly, from Wolf to Poulenc, with such established favorites as the overture to La Forza del Destino with its unexpected tricky moments and the Four Sea Interludes and Passacaglia from Peter Grimes for which Del Mar offers suggestions from Britten himself, with whom he worked for many years.

Norman Del Mar (1919-1994) was universally recognised as a leading authority on the music of Richard Strauss, and his masterly three-volume study of his life and works remains a classic.Volume II spans the years 1912 to 1933 (the première of Arabella), taking in the Ariadne versions, Die Frau ohne Schatten, the ballets and much incidental music.'Deploying a well-nigh encyclopaedic knowledge, Mr Del Mar acquits himself brilliantly of his task of disentangling and reassembling the numerous strands that make up the backcloth of poetry and philosophy which Strauss, while not always understanding every intricacy, yet needed as a constant reference map for his composing. The three volumes of this magnificent book should be studied by all lovers of the late-romantic music, amateurs and professionals alike ... a monumental achievement.' Times Literary Supplement'A brilliant and copiously analytical study ... a constant fascination.' Guardian

Berlioz, the enfant terrible of music if ever there was one, was always a favorite of the late Norman Del Mar. In this volume (seen through the press by his son Jonathan) Norman Del Mar brings all his wide experience to the explanations and elucidation of the more difficult points of conducting these works. The most imaginative orchestrator ever is treated with wisdom and perception and many doubtful technical points are clarified in this invaluable handbook. Anyone wanting to know more about Berlioz's works, be they student or music-loving listener, will find their enjoyment enhanced after reading this indispensable study. The three extraordinary symphonies are considered in detail, followed by six overtures, and other important works. The volume culminates in chapters on the Grande Messe des morts and Te Deum which give true insight into these major choral pieces. Del Mar's writing style is easily approachable and carries the reader along in eager anticipation as understanding is assimilated from his own infectious enthusiasm.

After two volumes of reflections on conducting the orchestral music of Beethoven, Normal Del Mar now turns to the music of Brahms. His own interpretations, over a career of half a century, have been hailed as unusually sincere and thoughtful. As before, Del Mar's insights will be of greatinterest to practicing musicians and lovers of these great works.

Norman Del Mar (1919-1994) was universally recognised as a leading authority on the music of Richard Strauss, and his masterly three-volume study of his life and works remains a classic. Volume I deals with the years from the composer's birth (1864) to Der Rosenkavalier (1912), discussing the early orchestral and chamber music, the tone poems and the operas Guntram, Feuersnot, Salome and Elektra. 'Deploying a well-nigh encyclopaedic knowledge, Mr Del Mar acquits himself brilliantly of his task of disentangling and reassembling the numerous strands that make up the backcloth of poetry and philosophy which Strauss, while not always understanding every intricacy, yet needed as a constant reference map for his composing. The three volumes of this magnificent book should be studied by all lovers of the late-romantic music, amateurs and professionals alike...a monumental achievement.' Times Literary Supplement 'A brilliant and copiously analytical study ... a constant fascination.' Guardian

Describes mistakes, misprints, and composer's errors in different editions of orchestral literature.