1st Edition
Michael Costa: England's First Conductor The Revolution in Musical Performance in England, 1830-1880
Costa's background and personality. Conducting prior to 1830. Costa's system. Costa as a conductor. Opera. Concerts, oratorios and festivals. Costa's reputation and legacy. Reassessment.
Biography
Sir John Goulden retired in 2000 from a distinguished career in the British Diplomatic Service, during which he served as Ambassador to Turkey and Permanent Representative to Nato (1995-2000). On retirement he began to pursue his interest in the revolution in musical performance during the early nineteenth century and the role in this of the conductor and composer Michael Costa. He was awarded a PhD in musicology in 2012.
'This is a learned survey of how the conductor gained importance and control, and uses Costa as an example. It dissects his relationships with concert-giving organisations throughout the country'
- Christopher Morley, Birmingham Post"This is an important and timely book."
