This book examines 43 great concerti and discusses, in detail, the technical, aural, rehearsal, and intra-personal skills that are required for "effortless excellence." Maestro Itkin wrote this book for conductors first encountering the concerto repertoire and for those wishing to improve their skills about this important, and often understudied, literature. Often misunderstood is the fact that both the physical technique and the score study process require a substantially different and more nuanced approach than with the major symphonic repertoire. In short, this is the book that Itkin wished had been available when he was a student and young professional. "This book is truly wonderful, lucid and intelligent. Would that many of Maestro Itkin’s colleagues devoted such attention to mere concerti!"--Misha Dichter "This is a 'must own' book for any conductor or conducting student."--Samuel Adler, Professor of Composition, the Juilliard School "By concentrating on familiar pieces, David Itkin is offering a valuable textbook for the aspiring maestro. He gets right to the heart of this important facet of the conductor's art. Highly recomended."--Leonard Slatkin