This is a portrait of a brilliantly endowed musician and of the social, economic and political context of the concert world.

'Rattle's is a story that will run and run... this book will have you on the edge of your seat.' Financial Times 'The year 2002 will, I believe, be a watershed for classical music. Rattle is central to that spirit of renewal, with Berlin, once again, the place to watch. Nicholas Kenyon's book is a fine portrait of one of the most fascinating musicians of our time and a model of critical documentary, elegantly composed.' Gramophone 'This account will fascinate from start to mid-breath finish - a fine study of a fertile subject.' Observer 'A perspicacious portrait of a brilliantly endowed muscian and of the social, economic and political context of his world... as this splendid book makes clear, Rattle is indeed the characteristic conductor of the 21st century.' Sunday Times 'The new book tells Rattle's story throughly and compellingly... as an introductory guide to the musical politics of the concert world, the record industry and post-unification Berlin Kenyon is unsurpassed.' BBC Music Magazine

Formerly a music critic for the Times, New Yorker and Observer, Nicholas Kenyon became Controller, BBC Radio 3 in 1992, Director, BBC Proms in 1996, and is now Controller, BBC Proms, Live Events and Television Classical Music.