AGITATO

Described as a "romp" through the classical music scene of New York, Jerome Toobin's book shares an animated memoir of his years as the manager and would-be saviour of Toscanini's NBC Symphony of the Air during the '50's and '60's. Dowling conveys Toobin's boundless enthusiasm for the orchestra and his profound commitment to its continuing existence. Toobin's acquaintances with music luminaries, including Toscanini, Stokowski, Bernstein and others, make the memoir interesting to even the unmusical while the initiated will have particular appreciation for the nuances of the wheelings and dealings of keeping an orchestra alive. Dowling easily captures the mood swings of performers and producers, as well as expressing Toobin's disappointment at not being able to save one facet of New York's musical heritage. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 97]