Leading Tones is a glimpse into several aspects of the musical world.
There are portions devoted to Leonard Slatkin's life as a musician and
conductor, portraits of some of the outstanding artists with whom he has
worked, as well as anecdotes and stories both personal and professional.
Much of the book discusses elements of the industry that are troubling
and difficult during this first part of the 21st century. Auditions,
critics, fiscal concerns, and labor negotiations are all matters that
today's conductors must be aware of, and this book provides helpful
suggested solutions. Leading Tones is intended not only for musicians,
but also for the music lover who wishes to know more about what goes
into being a conductor.