From silent cinema pianist born in the Australian Bush to celebrity virtuoso entertaining Royalty in Mayfair--an extraordinarily magical and inspirational musical odyssey. The concert pianist Edward Cahill (1885-1975) rose to prominence from humble beginnings in the inauspicious setting of 19th-century rural Queensland. At a time when Australian concert artists were virtually unknown in Europe, he dazzled the salons of royalty, aristocratic patronage and privilege in London, Paris and the French Riviera during the glittering decades of the 1920s and 1930s ... 'With what vigour, what virtuosity and poetry this master plays the piano!' --Chronique musicale, Montreux, 5 May 1939
Hamilton dissects the oft invoked myth of a 'Great Tradition', or Golden Age of pianism. He then goes on to discuss the performance style great pianists, from Liszt to Paderewski, and delves into the far from inevitable development of the piano recital.
In this uproarious memoir and meticulously researched cultural journey, writer Michael Moran keeps company with a gallery of fantastic characters. In chronicling the resurrection of the nation from war and the Holocaust, he paints a portrait of the unknown Poland, one of monumental castles, primeval forests and, of course, the Poles themselves. This captivating journey into the heart of a country is a timely and brilliant celebration of a valiant and richly cultured people.
John Bridcut, author of the acclaimed 'Britten's Children', will include significant fresh material which will make the book indispensable for Britten aficionados as well as for those who are discovering the composer's music for the first time. This guide is all about finding a way into Britten's music. An outline of planned chapters: - The Top Ten Britten pieces - Critics' First Impressions - Britten's Life - Britten and Pears - The things they said - The Music (stage works, choral works, songs, chamber music, orchestral works) - The Interpreters of Britten's work - Britten as Performer - The Impresario (English Opera Group and Aldeburgh Festival) - Britten's Homes - Trivial Pursuits
The Steinway—once called the "instrument of the immortals"—is more than the preeminent American piano. It is also a symbol of Old World craftsmanship combined with American capitalism, of technological innovation, and of remarkable family management. This authoritative and entertaining book tells the story of the Steinway piano company and the people behind it. The first book based on the rich archive of Steinway business and family papers at LaGuardia Community College in New York, as well as on interviews with family members and company employees in the United States, Germany, and England, Steinway & Sons describes the making and marketing of an American cultural icon. Founded in New York in 1853 by a German immigrant, the Steinway company quickly rose to prominence on the strength of the distinctive "Steinway sound." For five generations Steinways steered their company in the face of vigorous domestic and foreign competition, bitter labor disputes, temperamental musicians, a fluctuating economy, and wars. Members of the Gilded Age elite, the family also contended with adultery, alcoholism, emotional depression, and long court battles over money. Lieberman discusses the company town the Steinways built in Queens in the 1870s to "escape the machinations of the anarchists and socialists" in the city; the decision to manufacture in both New York and Hamburg, which led to Steinway factories supplying both sides in World War II; the improvements in piano technology that made the Steinway the envy of other piano makers; the company's creative marketing techniques, such as booking celebrated European pianists into American concert halls; the competition from the Japanese-owned Yamaha company; and the sale of the financially troubled company to CBS in 1972. Weaving together themes from social, music, business, labor, and immigrant history, and lavishly illustrated with pictures from the Steinway archive, Steinway & Sons is a rich narrative that casts new light on American cultural history and on a unique family enterprise.
In 'The Love Affairs of Great Musicians, Volume 1,' Rupert Hughes delves into the romantic lives of renowned composers and musicians, offering readers a glimpse into the passionate relationships that inspired their timeless music. Written in a compelling narrative style, Hughes explores the scandals, triumphs, and heartbreaks that shaped the personal lives of these musical geniuses, providing a unique insight into their creative process and the influence of love on their work. This volume provides a fascinating look at the intersection of art and romance in the lives of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Wagner. Hughes' detailed research and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for music lovers and history buffs alike. Rupert Hughes, a prolific author and music enthusiast, brings his expertise and passion for storytelling to this captivating exploration of the love lives of great musicians. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities of these legendary figures, Hughes offers a comprehensive and insightful account that sheds new light on their artistry and personal relationships. 'The Love Affairs of Great Musicians, Volume 1' is a compelling and informative read that will appeal to anyone interested in the untold stories behind some of the most beloved musical compositions in history.
