Tom Service tries to capture on paper Claudio Abbado's wild mercury sound:
Abbado's rehearsal technique is another world from the intensity he creates in his performances. He says very little, points out tiny details of articulation and balance, and smiles almost continually at his players. The aim is not to force an interpretation upon the ensemble, but to create a chamber-music like culture of listening. The only times he raises his voice with the musicians is to say "listen to the bassoons!", or, "play less, we have to hear the horns".
Can't wait for the book.