Daniel Barenboim has been in the front row of the best musicians of the last quarter of the XX century and the beginning of the XXI. This book not only reflect his 'memoires' as a child prodigy, but his parallel upbringing as a pianist and conductor.
But the most interesting parts in this book are the analysis of music by Barenboim. His personal view of the meaning of music and music making make this a delightful document for anyone interested in classical music. This includes his views on harmony, tempo, orchestra balance, expression and many other topics.
Another aspect that I found captivating in this book were the anecdotes and stories of another musicians. The view of Barenboim about other conductors and his reflections on the sound and characteristics of different orchestras is invaluable to any music lover.
And in this document we have also the view of this conductor in the process of setting up operas in different houses, and with different stage directors and singers, which are a bonus to opera lovers, like me.
Finally we have in this book some of Barenboim's concerns about the future of Arab - Israeli relationships and his personal quest to bring some mutual understanding to these peoples. This efforts, which gave life to de West East Divan Orchestra, and earned Barenboim and his friend, the late American - Palestinian author Edward Said, the Prince of Asturias Award for Peace Efforts (Concordia) in 2002.