Memoirs
"I have had an enormously lucky life," confides Solti in the epilog of this immensely satisfying memoir. And we, the beneficiaries of his musical genius, have been even luckier. To fans of Sir George, this splendid volume of reminiscences will confirm his status as one of the preeminent conductors of this century. Solti's graciousness, warm-hearted generosity, and bonhomie shine forth from every page. The first six chapters are named after significant cities in the maestro's life; here, Solti's early years as an assistant in the opera houses of Hungary through his lengthy, triumphant tenure as conductor of the Chicago Symphony are lovingly recounted. Chapter 7, "The World," reflects the author's status as an international citizen. In the final chapter, "Music, First and Last," Solti comments at length on his favorite composers and their works with many anecdotal asides. Because Solti died a few months after completing these memoirs, his enthusiastic plans for future recording projects and programming will not be realized, making this autobiography his final accomplishment. Highly recommended for all music collections.?Larry A. Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, Pa.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.