Thomas Saler’s new book Serving Genius: Carlo Maria Giulini was featured today in John von Rhein’s column in the Chicago Tribune.

“He was the last great conductor of his generation, a poet-philosopher of music whose dedication to his art produced songful, deeply felt performances. He pursued his lofty artistic objectives with humility, nobility and fierce moral integrity. Orchestral musicians spoke of him with an affection they reserved for very few. Awestruck audiences came away from his concerts believing this must be what the Heavenly Philharmonic sounded like.

Now a biography of Giulini has appeared that offers a thorough, balanced and illuminating portrait of the charismatic Italian as man and maestro.”