First and lasting impressions : Julius Rudel looks back on a life in music / Julius Rudel and Rebecca Paller.

Includes index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Early life in Vienna and the shadow of the swastika -- "The people's opera" takes flight : the early years of New York City Opera -- The flying baton : a company in transition -- A lighter muse : Broadway musicals -- Brush up your Shakespeare and return to Vienna -- Inheriting the wind -- All-American -- Intermezzo : the company way -- Politics and acoustics : the move to Lincoln Center -- Tintinnabulation : Don Rodrigo and a young star named Domingo -- A summer idyll : the magic of Caramoor -- Giulio Cesare and the Sills phenomenon -- The Kennedy Center : from concept to opening -- Glory days -- Jon Vickers : the third time was not the charm -- Reversal of fortune -- Life after New York City Opera.