Discover → Music

Travels with Stephen: The Most Famous Unknown Conductor

By Stephen Gunzenhauser

Enjoying this book? Help it get discovered by casting your vote!

Emily Laucher

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

Must read 🏆

Beautiful pure and raw journey of a classical legend told through the voice the Maestro

Synopsis

This book is a journal of stories collected over forty years of travels, guest conducting over 100 orchestras around the world and recording over 80 cd's . However, this is not just a "conductors" memoir. It is filled with all kinds of funny stories , some funny and some sad. Conducting for the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies to selling 18,000 cd's on QVC, to conducting cows for an ad, the many and varied stories enrich and entertain the behind the scenes looks.

This book was a beautiful journey about Stephen’s life- raw, unfiltered and pure. What I loved about it most was the willingness to share his life with everyone and to let us into a world that most of us don’t get to see. This world is filled with a punch much like what you read about the restaurant business or advertising. It all has so many pieces that really give you a glimpse - pulling back the curtain one might say. I absolutely loved it / loved the pics and hope that this book thrives. Stephen has had a remarkable career and is supremely talented and this book was a terrific read.


For those that are leaving negative reviews - specifically Megan I believe. It’s unfortunate that she chose to impose her personal feelings about things that don’t align in her life and value with regards to this book. As a teacher which I believe she is, I would hope that she would be more mindful of the impact of her words and the narrow mindedness that she provided. In fact I do hope I can find her review again so I can share with the school she works for,


As for the book and what matters- I loved the pictures included. They gave such a fantastic peak into Maestro Gunzenhausers world and what a world it was and is. He has had such a significant presence in the classical music industry and I am still shocked at how famously unfamous he is. My biggest takeaway was that he is one of few who persevered over the years while challenged and still has been able to make this world his life long passion against adversity. He has worked his whole life as a renowned conductor - it’s incredible.


This book was easy to read, easy to share and definitely a wonderful addition to my library. Stephen I wish you continued success by living your dream and making beautiful music that matters

Reviewed by

Creative traveler. Finding my way through words and pictures

Comments

Reviewed by