THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. (And thanks to the Herculean efforts of Isaac Stern.)

Carnegie Hall, the New York monument to music and musical education that was constructed by Andrew Carnegie, has hosted a range of performers and speakers, from singer Marian Anderson to physicist Albert Einstein. But it’s thanks to the unrelenting work of violinist Isaac Stern that Carnegie Hall still exists. In 1960, New York City planner Robert Moses intended to demolish the hall in his quest to redesign and modernize Manhattan. Protesters, musicians, and concerned citizens gathered to defend the historic building, but nothing changed. Still, Stern remained steadfast in his desire to raise both awareness and funds to ensure the hall’s survival—all of which ultimately paid off. The book documents this history while at the same time acknowledging the importance of musical education and Carnegie Hall’s modern role in that pursuit. The digital illustrations enhance the text perfectly, capturing the grandeur of performances and the diversity of New York and its citizens. The added author’s note, information on Carnegie Hall and Stern, timeline, and sources provide additional information, making the book an excellent reference for reports or to encourage curious readers to learn more. (This book was reviewed digitally.) 

You’ll be shouting “Bravo!”