Inside Conducting

Engaging, uncomplicated overview of the conductor’s role … Very readable, with some good jokes, hoary anecdotes and nice analogies. ― CLASSICAL MUSIC’s Books of the Year, December 2013

Chosen by Financial Times as a Classical Music Book of the Year ― .

One of Classical Music’s Best Books of the Year ― .

With humor, clarity, and wisdom, Christopher Seaman gives insight into the mind of a conductor. A feast of inside scoops for music lovers. — — Yo-Yo Ma, cellist and Artistic Director of the Silk Road Project ― Yo-Yo Ma, cellist and Artistic Director of the Silk Road Project

This book is simply typical Christopher, something I would consider one of the highest compliments. Typical of Christopher to combine so much wisdom with so much wit. Required reading, I think, and one of the friendliest books about music ever penned. — — Sir Simon Rattle, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra ― Sir Simon Rattle, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

To hear the human truths from an experienced music director, enriched by examples from his life, is marvelously illuminating. I learned many little things and some big ones. — — Norman Lebrecht, author and critic

Christopher Seaman, who is renowned for his teaching work at the Guildhall School of Music, and has conducted at the highest level, provides a barrage of straight answers. Most are directed towards real would-be conductors, rather than bedroom-mirror amateurs, but there’s plenty for the outsider looking in. . . . The conductor’s work is not often discussed in such plain detail. Conducting is ‘like riding a horse not driving a car’. A tighter grip on the baton produces a harder tone. Keeping the arms moving upward very slowly can restrain an audience’s desire to rush to clap after a quiet ending. . . . Demystifies the art and the figure of the conductor. — James McConnachie http://www.spectator.co.uk/books/8966601/inside-conducting-by-christopher-seaman-a-review/’>Full Review ― THE SPECTATOR

The art of conducting is hard to nail but Christopher Seaman does just that in exemplary fashion. . . . Interesting reading for all lovers of music, students of conducting as well as fellow professionals. . . . Serious practical application and in-depth musicological insight laced with the author’s engaging humour. Highly recommended. — Christopher Fifield ― MUSICWEB-INTERNATIONAL