In this the fifth biography in the ABRSM Extraordinary Lives series Beethoven ...(+)
In this the fifth biography in the ABRSM Extraordinary Lives series Beethoven expert Professor Barry Cooper provides a fascinating and compact summary of the key moments in Beethovenâ??s life. In exploring crucial documents Cooper provides fresh insights into Beethovenâ??s personality and motivations whilst challenging much of the prevalent â??mythologyâ?? that surrounds him.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britainâ??s greatest ...(+)
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britainâ??s greatest composers Sir Edward Elgar renowned Elgar scholar J.P.E. Harper-Scott casts new and frequently surprising light on Elgar chronicling his rise to the forefront of early twentieth-century modernism in this concise and absorbing volume. Hailed by the June 2007 BBC Music Magazine as 'possibly the best first stop for learning about Elgar's life ' this fascinating and accessible history is suitable for both students and Elgar enthusiasts alike. J.P.E. Harper-Scott takes a combative swipe at many of the critical myths and prejudices that have attached themselves to the figure of Elgar revealingboth a surprisingly elusive personality and a deeper often darker message within his works. Questions answered include How did the son of a provincial piano tuner rise to international fame' Was the English countryside the principle inspiration for Elgar's music' Was this moustachioed red-blooded imperialist all that he seemed' And more!
How did an 18th century child prodigy become a 20th century icon' Was the adult ...(+)
How did an 18th century child prodigy become a 20th century icon' Was the adult Mozart really a womanizing drink-fuelled gambler with Tourette?s Syndrome' Was he murdered?.' Julian Rushton jumps right into the debate with this fascinating readable history dispensing with the myth conjecture and popular iconography that frequently distorts our notions of what Mozart and his times were really like. What emerges is a more human and believable portrait challenging our preconceptions while deepening our understanding of this extraordinary man and his music.
In this vivid portrait Bruce Wood illuminates the sometimes shadowy figure of H...(+)
In this vivid portrait Bruce Wood illuminates the sometimes shadowy figure of Henry Purcell richly evoking the atmosphere of 17th-century England - full of intrigues and plots. By interweaving the events during an unparalleled period of social and political change with the life and music of Purcell Wood creates an account of this elusive English genius that is hard to put down.'The quality of the writing the concision colour and grittiness of the narrative sets this book apart from all others on the subject.' Professor Sir Curtis Price