WARNING - Not a textbook!
Daniels has gone out of his way to create a comprehensive account of a massive and constantly expanding repertoire. This book, however is NOT intended to give program notes or an overview of the pieces. Rather, it's a barebones account of the basic information one would need to know in order to program or perform a piece. An example entry:Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai Russian Easter overture, op. 36 (Grand Paque russe) *3 2 2 2--4 2 3 1--tmp+4--hp--str Belaieff Kalmus While this is superb information to know as a conductor trying to develop a program, it will not be able to teach you anything about the piece. The book is comprehensive and impressive. Buy it, keep it on your shelf.
| | Worth twice the price
Any conductor needing information about the enormous repretoire available for orchestra must have this reference book. Many, many works are detailed in these pages - organized by composer, instrumentation, title. Also, handy index of composers by nationality and birthday/death anniversaries. If you wonder how many horns are needed to perform some symphony, or wonder if a work can be played without hiring extra percussionists, or just want ideas for future concerts, this book is a priceless resource. I think about how lucky I am to have come across this tome of information each time I open its pages - undoubtedly you will as well.
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