About the book: 1984 / The author of the book is a famous conductor of the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR, People's Artist of the USSR, professor of the Moscow Conservatory, shares his vast, more than half a century of experience as a director of opera houses productions and symphony concerts. Introducing readers to his very difficult, endlessly fascinating profession, B. E. Khaikin simultaneously gives small, vivid sketches of certain aspects of the work of major Soviet and foreign conductors, singers, composers, and directors.