In Concert: Onstage and Offstage with the Boston Symphony Orchestra

Demystifying and humanizing the august Boston Symphony Orchestra--and expertly discussing, as the book's leitmotif, the intricacies of Mahler Two, a BSO specialty--Vigeland presents such an agreeable portrait that he makes the reader want to subscribe to the orchestra's upcoming season. A keen observer, and perhaps more of a tattletale than certain BSO members will like, the author takes us through the 1986-1987 season at Symphony Hall and concerts at Tanglewood (Mass.), Connecticut and Washington, D.C. Primarily, we follow slightly paranoid principal trumpet Charlie Schlueter and his strained relationship with music director Seiji Ozawa, who is not given to fraternizing with the musicians. We also meet concertmaster Malcolm Lowe, orchestra manager Anne Parsons, choral director John Oliver; learn about union problems; sit in on auditions; witness the intensity of rehearsals. Vigeland ( How Harvard Makes Its Money ) is at his best in conveying the emotive power of music, making palpable the feelings of the musicians when a concert goes well and they are overwhelmed at the sound they have made. (Nov.)