It is as difficult to write a biography of a great conductor as of a musical performer. Their sounds, however melodious, have passed to oblivion and their gestures, however effective at the time, prove unrecordable. Nevertheless, Sir Thomas Beecham was individualist enough to excite two biographers to try to complete his own biography, entitled A Mingled Chime, wherein he is found to have omitted passages, whether through modesty or prudence.
Sir Thomas Beecham, by Neville Cardue. British Book Centre, $3.95
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