Sir Antonio Pappano: My Life in Music Book

This is an excellent book, with wonderful, and a very unusual choice of productions is explored. I'm so glad I ordered a signed copy from the Royal Opera House.

Didn't want to disturb the lovely delicate tissue-paper wrapping on the book, when it arrived shortly after order, as it was a present for a friend's birthday later in the year. No doubt I'll ask to borrow when it's been read. Didn't start going to the ROH until Pappano's incumbency and (tickets, 500 mile round-trip travel, and accommodation costs permitting), have been privileged to witness a number of his productions. No insult to Jakub Hrusa but Pappano will be sorely missed and a hard act to follow. No doubt the book is a true reflection of his character, talents infectious enthusiasm for his work, and an easy read.

Sir Antonio’s book arrive whilst I was on holiday, so I was keenly expectant on my return. Not only was it great to see the ROH take excellent care over its delivery (tissue wrapped!), but I was thrilled to receive a signed copy. The book doesn’t disappoint, but moves one by being drawn into Sir Antonio’s journey; humble roots, the encouragement of so many to enable him to fulfill his dreams, to the glittering career of a great conductor. What is so wonderful is that he obviously retains that humility and the capacity to touch people’s lives through music. I knew the great maestro Carlo Maria Giulini slightly. The wondrous sense of spiritual calm was at the heart of his conducting. Sir Antonio Papanno bears the same gift. What a blessing to the world of music he is. Thank you, Sir Antonio!

I’m still reading the account of his various activities and savouring each one!

A big THANK YOU to Sir Antonio for providing us with such a comprehensive insight into his lifelong commitment to opera and classical music. Having been an opera lover and keen listener to classical music I could relate to Sir Antonio’s experiences and analysis of much loved works. The depth of his descriptions of confronting his own challenges, his desire to embrace the wide range of opera composers and classical composers, his willingness to tirelessly face challenges is breathtaking. I have enjoyed his descriptions of Wagner’s ouvre and loved the reference to Parsifal, my husband’s favourite opera. The detailed description of Verdi’s Dies Irae was fascinating and a testimony to the detailed knowledge you need to have to do the work justice. I am really looking forward to Sir Antonio’s new position as Chief Conductor of the LSO. It is proof of his amazing, warm hearted personality to read about his enthusiasm about working with this world class orchestra.
I am very sorry my husband passed over a year ago, he would have read this book with great appreciation of a revered conductor. We are so fortunate to have his loyal support for opera, ballet and classical music in London, I only wish the Arts Council would show the same commitment.