Will appeal to many different music professionals as well as a number of music-lovers. Without exception, Jacobson's remarks show knowledge and heart beautifully combined, the writing eloquent and perceptive. Star Turns and Cameo Appearances offers an intimate and rewarding look at one of the most distinguished music professionals of the 20th century and, perhaps more important, one for whom ... Read morenew music and the classics generally held equal value. ARSC JOURNAL [Rob Haskins] I have admired and continue to admire the great musical culture of Bernard Jacobson, whom I have known since my time in Philadelphia in the 1980s. His deep understanding of the world of the arts and his wit and elegant writing make Star Turns particularly interesting and charming.
Riccardo Muti, conductor, music director, Chicago Symphony Orchestra [This] remarkable memoir is a musical journey from the perspective of a writer, music critic, music publisher, and a man who has been intimately involved with the classical music world. His extraordinary life's work, knowledge, and integrity have been a great inspiration to me, and this beautifully written memoir now affords others a window into his lifelong devotion to and love of music on the deepest level.
Gerard Schwarz, conductor and composer An extraordinarily vivid and intriguing glimpse of the humans inside the classical music giants, of the last fifty years
an invaluable and rare account from a man who's heard it all.
Roxanna Panufnik, composer Bernard Jacobson has been one of the most illuminating writers about classical music over the past decades, a critical intelligence to reckon with
the sort of critic (all too rare) with whom performers can engage in fruitful dialogue. His memoirs of a life in music are fascinating stuff.
Ian Bostridge, tenor A fascinating tour through the classical music world from the 1960s to today. Jacobson has worked with and has stories to tell about most of the major and minor figures of music in England and America of the last fifty years. His analysis of Riccardo Muti as a man, a conductor, and a leader is worth the whole book. It's an involving book, and I feel privileged to have read it.
Speight Jenkins, general director, 1983-2014, Seattle Opera Show Less