The Orchestra: The Lives Behind the Music

From Preface: "This book could have been about any first-class orchestra and the people in it. The interviews could tell the stories of other first-rate musicians, and still reflect the same thoughts and hopes and dreams, the same love or hatred for their instruments, for the conductor or, indeed, for the musical life. But by chance, or fate, or luck, or however these things are decided, this is the tale of the London Philharmonic. The London Philharmonic Orchestra was born on 7 October 1932, created by Sir Thomas Beecham for the best players in the country. Its debut at the Queen's Hall, London, brought the audience to its feet - some even standing on their seats to cheer. 'Nothing so electrifying has been heard in a London concert for years,' wrote Ernest Newman, a critic who was never easily impressed, in 'The Times.' 'The tone was magnificent, the precision perfect, the reading a miracle of fire and beauty.' Sixty years on, the LPO is based at the Royal Festival Hall, on the south bank of the Thames and, for three decades, it has been the resident orchestra at Glyndebourne in the summer months. The LPO is a collection of people always striving for perfection in performances. To discover what is the personal price paid by a musician who has devoted himself or herself to learning their craft....read on."