Extracted from five hundred years of musical history, this is a fascinating collection of stories about classical music's most unusual concerts and characters.

Tales such as that of the organist caught with his trousers down or the orchestra that played faster and faster so that its members could catch the last train home, the sad story of the composer who committed suicide while conducting, the completely silent piece of music and the stone deaf composer who insisted on conducting will delight all lovers of classical music. Many famous names are here, as well the less eminent music performers, in this fascinating and revealing look at what really goes on in the world of classical music.

Brian Levison has a lifelong interest in cricket and played club cricket for several years. His books include the highly acclaimed cricket anthology All in a Day's Play (Constable, 2012) and Amazing & Extraordinary Facts: Cricket (David & Charles, 2012). He was one of six writers and commentators selected for the MCC's 'Cricket's Crown Jewels' exhibition in the Lord's Museum celebrating 150 years of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack in 2014.