Despite the pivotal role that concertmasters have played in orchestras, they have seldom enjoyed the spotlight. In America’s Concertmasters, however, they become the focus of attention, their life stories illuminating the development of orchestras and how the balance of power between concertmasters and conductors has shifted over the years.
This unique book, based on extensive research on more than 180 concertmasters and dozens of interviews, looks at the training and personality traits that have yielded great leaders in the string sections of orchestras in the United States and Canada. After a brief overview of some of the early concertmasters in Europe, twelve chapters present the histories of the concertmaster position in twelve North American orchestras, together with in-depth profiles of twenty-two of the men and women who are the recent and present occupants of the first chair of these symphony and opera orchestras. America's Concertmasters depicts their love affair with violins, their political and psychological acumen, their activism on behalf of their colleagues, and how they model ethical and professional standards. It describes in their words how they advocate for and code authority to the conductor they serve. And it examines how they make musical decisions, react in crises, and in practical ways deal with the pressures of their solo work. In short, it is the story of those special violinists who have been the amalgamating influence in America's orchestras for over a century. Indeed, portions of that story can be read as an extended master class presented by many of North America's top musicians. Included are 71 photographs, 16 tables, and appendices listing the violins that concertmasters have owned or used and the premieres of works they have performed.
About the Author
Anne Mischakoff Heiles has been on the faculties of the University of the Pacific, Northwestern University, California State University at Fresno, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, teaching viola and music history. She is the author of Khandoshkin and the Beginning of Russian String Music (UMI Press, 1983), Mischa Mischakoff: Journeys of a Concertmaster (Harmonie Park Press, 2006), and many articles
DMM/SM 51 / 584p / 978-0-89990-139-8 / Paperback / $40.00
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Reviews
“Each chapter follows a major orchestra from its inception to the modern day. As one would expect, the concertmasters are the center of these histories, but they share the stage with the conductors and other orchestra musicians… [T]he issue of a concertmaster’s power and position is constantly addressed.
The two appendices focus on the violins played by concertmasters and the works premiered. The first…could serve as an indispensable resource for anyone studying the history of historical violins. The second…would also be an excellent tool for any researcher interested in the history of violin performance.
Heiles provides an excellent historical work in an entertaining, even fun format. Although violinists would seem to get the most from this work, it would be helpful to any orchestral musician or any fan of the orchestra.”
Fontis Artis Musicae
“America’s Concertmasters is the best book about orchestra life and orchestral playing I have ever read…Heiles spent many years interviewing former and present concertmasters of 12 of the most important American orchestras…The…beautifully-written profiles…are intimate, unique, and often quite candid…In addition…Heiles gives a thorough, meticulously researched and footnoted history of each orchestra and its succession of concertmasters…This book is a joy to read.”
America Record Guide
“This enthralling book, which will find a place on every violin fancier’s bookshelves, will also interest those who enjoy reading about orchestras…The interviews make fascinating reading…”
Strad Magazine
“This book really should be on the required list for every performance major (string players especially, but others would learn a lot from this book too) at the undergraduate and graduate levels of learning. It will give much understanding to the discipline and fortitude it takes to become a great player, and most important, a great leader.”
MLA Notes
“…a well-researched, exhaustively cited, and ultimately readable history of one of the most prominent positions in the classical music world…Heiles’ organization, her thoughtful interview questions, and the well-researched and cited historical sections create a book that would interest a variety of music professionals…Because Heiles keeps minutiae in tables, footnotes, and thorough appendices, and approaches the interviews conversationally, this is [also] an excellent book for a nonprofessional music lover. America’s Concertmasters in wholly entertaining and a good read.”
American Music