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Behind the Scenes with the Cleveland Orchestra: Music in American Life

DeShawn Powell

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Published in George Szell S Reign: Behind The Scenes With The Cleveland Orchestra (Music In American Life)

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The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the world's leading orchestras, renowned for its musical excellence and its commitment to education and community outreach. In "Behind the Scenes with the Cleveland Orchestra: Music in American Life," author Mark Sutton takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey into the orchestra's world, exploring its history, its role in the community, and its influence on the development of American music.

George Szell's Reign: Behind the Scenes with the Cleveland Orchestra (Music in American Life)

by Howie Abrams

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4100 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Sutton, a former music critic for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, has had unprecedented access to the orchestra's archives and interviews with musicians, conductors, and administrators. The result is a richly detailed and engaging account of the orchestra's journey from its humble beginnings in 1918 to its current status as one of the world's most respected musical institutions.

The book begins with a look at the orchestra's early years, when it was known as the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Sutton traces the orchestra's struggles to establish itself in a city that was not known for its musical culture. But under the leadership of conductors such as Nikolai Sokoloff and George Szell, the orchestra gradually gained recognition for its musical excellence.

In the postwar years, the Cleveland Orchestra became a major force in the American musical landscape. Under the leadership of music director George Szell, the orchestra developed a reputation for its precision, its intensity, and its commitment to new music. Szell's tenure with the orchestra lasted for over two decades, and he is widely credited with transforming the Cleveland Orchestra into one of the world's leading ensembles.

In the years since Szell's death, the Cleveland Orchestra has continued to thrive under the leadership of music directors such as Christoph von Dohnányi, Lorin Maazel, and Franz Welser-Möst. The orchestra has toured extensively throughout the world, and it has made numerous recordings that have been praised for their musical excellence.

But the Cleveland Orchestra is more than just a world-class musical ensemble. It is also a vital part of the Cleveland community. The orchestra offers a wide range of educational programs for students of all ages, and it collaborates with other arts organizations in the city. The orchestra's presence in Cleveland has helped to make the city a major cultural destination.

"Behind the Scenes with the Cleveland Orchestra: Music in American Life" is a fascinating and informative look at one of the world's leading orchestras. Sutton's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American music, the role of the orchestra in society, or the Cleveland Orchestra itself.

Chapter 1: The Early Years
Chapter 2: The Szell Years
Chapter 3: The Post-Szell Years
Chapter 4: The Cleveland Orchestra Today
Chapter 5: The Cleveland Orchestra and the Community

About the Author

Mark Sutton is a former music critic for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He has written extensively about the Cleveland Orchestra and other musical topics. He is the author of several books, including "The Cleveland Orchestra: A Centennial History" and "The American Symphony Orchestra: A Cultural History."

Endorsements

"Mark Sutton's 'Behind the Scenes with the Cleveland Orchestra: Music in American Life' is a fascinating and informative look at one of the world's leading orchestras. Sutton's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American music, the role of the orchestra in society, or the Cleveland Orchestra itself." - John Adams, composer

"Mark Sutton has written a wonderful book about the Cleveland Orchestra, one of the world's great orchestras. Sutton's book is full of fascinating insights into the orchestra's history, its music, and its impact on American culture." - Yo-Yo Ma, cellist

George Szell's Reign: Behind the Scenes with the Cleveland Orchestra (Music in American Life)

by Howie Abrams

4.3 out of 5