Classical music fans looking for guidance on the mysteries of conducting will find answers, and laughs, in this book. Covering everything from baton technique to player psychology to shirt colours and pencil choices and much more besides, Waving, Not Drowning is the indispensable guide to the world of the orchestral conductor.

With the tragic death of co-author and doyen of the podium Barrington Orwell in an as yet unexplained contrabassoon accident, it was left to his colleague and friend Lev Parikian to complete the story on his behalf. The result is part biography, part coaching manual, all wisdom.

“Highly entertaining … Hilarious … A must-read.” Classical Music magazine

“A must for any would-be conductor—of an orchestra, electricity or a bus. Brilliant because it’s both serious and funny.” Sir Ronald Harwood

Amazon reviews:

“Very funny … there are very, very few books that have genuinely made me laugh out loud more than once.”

“Not many books make me properly laugh out loud but this one did, and a laugh does you good, so read it for the good of your health. It might even get you a nice bit of elbow room on the Tube. I was reading it on an Underground journey where one section in particular made me snort loudly with laughter. A proper snort, like a hog.”

“An extremely entertaining read and a piquant insight into the world of conducting, of psychology, of human relations. No specialist musical knowledge necessary.”