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Conducting Beethoven: Volume 1: The Symphonies

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The late Norman Del Mar wrote a series of guides on conducting works in the orchestral repertoire. They are not aimed only at conductors but are of great interest to music lovers generally. You will however need to have copies of the orchestra scores he discusses, and be able to read them. But there is no complex musical or philosophical analysis - these are practical guides which go straight to the music itself.

Del Mar wrote with a refreshingly direct, no-nonsense style. Even if you think you know the Beethoven symphonies very well, Del Mar will alert you to many new details and insights. I heartily recommend this book.

English Conductor and teacher Norman Del Mar provides a detailed and enlightening approach to to the conducting student of Beethoven Symphonies. Modelled on Felix Weingartner's book of the same title, Del Mar provides through his countless experience insights and pointers to any hopeful would be conductors. All the traps concerning the performance of these symphonies, including structure, tempi, balance, orchestration, phrasing and articulation are all discussed. Humorous anecdotes are also included. Any student of conducting, or student of Beethoven must have this book, in as much as a guide to how Beethoven Symphonies were performed in the 1940's.