The Pope's Maestro - Read by the Author

by Gilbert Levine, John Tagliabue

The story of the friendship between a Jewish-American conductor and Pope John Paul II. This book offers the inspirational story of an unlikely friendship and the two men who collaborated in an extraordinary way to begin to help heal centuries-old wounds. For two decades Sir Gilbert Levine and Pope John Paul II collaborated on symbolic acts of reconciliation: a series of internationally broadcast concerts designed to bring together people from all religious backgrounds under the auspices of the Vatican. These concerts broke new ground and demonstrated the Vatican's desire for rapprochement and even atonement in its relationships with Jews around the world. And it resulted in Sir Gilbert recovering his own Jewish faith in a deeper and more meaningful way. Details the extraordinary collaboration between a world-renowned musical maestro and an innovative Pope. Shows how music can act as a bridge between people of different faiths A moving, inspirational, and personal story that appeals to music lovers and to people of all faith traditions. This is a compelling tale of faith, friendship, and the healing power of music to bring people together.

Genres: Biography, Religion, History, Music, Memoir, Faith

Audio CD

First published March 22, 2010

Reviews

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the touching and inspirational story of the unlikely friendship between Sir Gilbert Levine, a Jewish American conductor, and Pope John Paul II and of how they collaborated in using music to encourage peace and friendship among all people.

[Jamiller24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely memoir with all the history to go with it. East German spies, holocaust survivors and a wonderful friendship between the Pope and Sir Gilbert Levine. How it all started is a great story in itself. Thank you, Sir Gilbert!! You brought the Pope to life.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Maestro Gilbert Levine narrated this audio version, and his Jewish New York inflection made this ever so much more authentic. For me, as a practicing Catholic, John Paul II is a true saint. His own back story is the stuff of legends. When JPII enters Maestro Levine's life, I can only say that God's plan for these two men and their impact on Jewish-Catholic relations, was fulfilled. We go from Krakow under the Communist regime, through 9-11 and beyond. Levine knew absolutely nothing about the Catholic faith, and by the time JPII has finished with him, that has changed forever. Some repetition, but it moved me to tears.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this very interesting - reading about an unlikely relationship of a New York Jewish Philharmonic Conductor with Pope John Paul II. It was very inspirational regarding breaking the walls that separate Jews and Christians via music. I was glad to read about the making of music. So much I don't know!

[Trish Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story. Involves JPII who I adore. And includes classical music which is awesome. But mostly, demonstrates that whatever gift we have, if we offer it in service of God, it can be a part of great things.

[Marcey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to have a deeper understanding and more broad knowledge of classical music. That is the only thing that could have made me love the book even more!