SIR GEORG SOLTI completed this work just before his death on September 5, 1997. He was scheduled to re-open the refurbished Symphony Hall in Chicago, the scene of his greatest musical triumphs. The October 25 performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (made world-famous under his direction) would have been his 1,000th, as well as his 85th birthday. Anyone with an interest in opera or symphonic music will find his memoirs a must.

Solti, as Chicago Tribune music critic John von Rhein stated, was the last of his breed. His recorded legacy of almost 50 years is massive. And he was almost the last great conductor who began his career before the Second World War, leaving only a frail Carlo Maria Giulini, at 83, and Gunther Wand, at 85.

Solti's memoirs are much like his conducting: blunt. He was not one of the subtle or cerebral wielders of the baton. Rhythmic drive and sheer power often took precedence over shadings and lyric moments. He was a perfectionist, and able to transmit his will--the first qualification of a great conductor. While there aren't any of the cheap shots often found in personal notes, he does aim a few zingers at some of his contemporaries. And there are many generous moments.