The Right Place, The Right Time!: Tales of Chicago Symphony Days

This book is very good for those wanting to know what a musician's life is really like. Peck goes into lots of good detail, but the book never gets monotonous or boring. I'd really recommend this book to not only those who perhaps hope to be professional musicians themselves someday, but also to those who love classical music. Peck has really had an interesting life and this book is a wonderful tribute to the Chicago Symphony from the life of one of its own.

"The Right Place in the Right Time" is an informative and very enjoyable inside view of a 42 year professional career by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's(CS0)principal flutist Donald Peck. Peck played under four major international conductors. On tour or in concert in Chicago Peck appeared as flute soloist in 124 concerts by 25 conductors. If you love classical music and the CSO (one of the world's greatest orchestras)this is a must read. It is also a quick read, full of interesting stories and personal anecdotes. It is not a scholarly treatise on symphonic ensemble playing but an interesting collection of one of this country's greatest musician's personal memoirs. As a former flutist and serious CSO fan I highly recommend this book. Ronald Lee Waits

Orchestral soloist and principal flute emeritus Donald Peck has toured the world with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; The Right Place, The Right Time: Tales of Chicago Symphony Days is his memoir of the inner workings of musical prestige. Packed with true tales of working with some of the greatest musicians and singers in the industry, as well as anecdotes about coping with guest conductors, making recordings, or even accepting "outside jobs" for one's music, The Right Place The Right Time reveals the ups, downs, quirks, and foibles of life as one professional artist among an interdependent team. Peck himself did not so much choose life in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as he was guided to it by fate; The Right Place, The Right Time is his testimony of a life touched by chance and fortune as surely as it was by music.

Donald Peck presents a very straightforward account of life in the Chicago Symphony. There is no lurid gossip -- just thoughtful observations and descriptions of life as a musician. Mr. Peck delivers commentary on conductors, instrumental soloists, singers, recordings, the recording industry and orchestra tours from the perspective of a man who lived through it all. Well written and a quick read. Recommended.