Conducting Elgar

This is the final book in the magnificent series of advice on conducting the repertoire that Norman Del Mar had been writing until his death in February 1994. As with the previous books, each chapter is devoted to a specific work, and once again all the major orchestral works of thisimportant composer are covered. The book culminates in an important study of The Dream of Gerontius, and it was in the middle of this chapter that Norman was forced to lay down his pen. His son, Jonathan, himself a conductor, was with him in hospital helping him, and knew what line the chaptershould take. He has now completed this and seen the whole book through the press with authority and devotion. Norman Del Mar renowned in his generation as the principal interpreter of English music and in particular for his understanding of Elgar. His explanations of the subtleties of guiding an orchestra through these magnificanet scores will be a lasting memorial to his lifework and invaluable help toall those who seek to clarify this elusive music. Elgar's own recordings are frequently drawn upon, but by no means always accepted, the changing fashions of interpretation being a constantly changing subject.

Norman Del Mar (died 1994) was an eminent orchestral conductor with many years experience. He taught conducting at the Guildhall School of Music (1954-60), the Royal College of Music (1971-90), and at a number of international conducting seminars.
Jonathan Del Mar is a musicologist, writer, and conductor. He has prepared a complete Urtext edition of Beethoven's Choral Symphony. He worked closely with his father on all his recent books.