"Pappano was incandescent, inspiring his orchestra and chorus to marvels of drama in the big scenes, yet also wondrously detailed, revealing textures in this masterly score of breathtaking transparency and delicacy. Aida in the theatre is rarely, if ever, like this." - Hugh Canning, Sunday Times "The best thing about this show -- indeed the best thing I''ve experienced in a theatre all season -- is Antonio Pappano''s superlative conducting and his orchestra''s stunning playing of Wagner''s epic score. The Royal Opera should rename the opera "Die Meisterinstrumentalisten", except it might not fit on posters. This is a musical interpretation of exemplary fluidity and pace, stirring in the right places (abetted by a rampant chorus), but also precise, subtle and virtuosic. After five hours and some, I wanted to hear it all again." - Richard Morrison, Times "Antonio Pappano has dedicated his life to music and now gives us a mesmerising insight into how he has brought music to life in theatres, concert halls and on television worldwide." - Daniel Barenboim "A detailed account of the sheer hard graft, and of the musical, technical and psychological puzzles a conductor has to solve.
If you have wondered, read it and gasp." - Fiona Maddocks, Observer "Unaffected and direct, with an easy, non-technical style that conveys - nonetheless - a huge depth of insight and musical experience. There are professional music writers who could do worse than learn from his example . Pappano''s extended descriptions of the intricacies - both psychological and technical - of assembling an operatic production will fascinate experts and amateurs alike. - Gramophone Magazine The Samnites were an ancient Italian people living in the area around Naples, noted for their courage, determination and willingness to work hard. Antonio Pappano, whose family roots lie in this very region, is a Samnite by nature as well as in origin. My Life in Music is a story of grit and risk-taking in the cause of a cherished art pervaded by its author''s awareness of his sheer good luck as a professional musician and by his engaging sociability as a performer and interpreter . There are valuable sections on what Pappano was able to garner from the essential team effort involved in mounting an opera , with his own key role in the pit defined as ''a beautiful metaphor for community for family''.
the author focuses on sharing with us an enduring joy in discovering or revising a composer''s work and his own singular alertness to the most fugitive of details across the lines of a score .Admirably combative as to the Arts Council''s deleterious meddling and Britain''s failure, in comparison with other countries, to subsidize music and theatre as social benefits, Pappano is still sanguine as to opera''s future. Evidently the Samnite has plenty of work left to do." - Jonathan Keates, Opera Magazine "An engaging and insightful journey through the life of one of the most celebrated conductors. This book is not just for classical music aficionados but for anyone interested in the transformative power of passion and perseverance . [Pappano''s] ability to break down the intricacies of famous operas offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the conductor''s art of translating scores into compelling performances and the nuances of bringing a musical score to life. The book highlights the collaborative nature of music-making, showcasing the mutual respect and relationships that drive successful performances . accessible to both music enthusiasts and general readers.
offers valuable insights into classical music and opera, making it an educational experience for readers. Pappano''s journey is inspiring, demonstrating how passion and dedication lead to extraordinary achievements . This book is a must-read for music lovers and anyone interested in the life of an extraordinary musician." - Playstosee.com.