By TIMOTHY MANGAN Two autobiographies … “The Memoirs of Hector Berlioz” by Hector Berlioz. Berlioz was the archetypical Romantic — sensitive, poetic, experimental, nostalgic, given to flights of fantasy, easily wounded, progressive, dramatic verging on melo-. He was also a
Book review: ‘Famous Father Girl’ by Jamie Bernstein
Being the child of Leonard Bernstein was like having a nuclear blast for a dad. You practically had to stand back and wear protective goggles when he came into a room, and even then the gale wind and blinding light
Books on classical music: Some essentials (3)
Two novels … “The Noise of Time” by Julian Barnes. Barnes, the author of such remarkable books as “Flaubert’s Parrot” and “Arthur and George,” has based this novel on ostensibly non-fictional material. In an author’s note at the end, he
Pacific Overtures, April
My newsletter for April — click on the link below … Pacific Overtures. April, 2018.
Books on classical music: Some essentials (2)
Having a few books of music criticism — the right ones, at least — is an essential part of any serious classical music lover’s library. Good music criticism teaches us how to listen to and think about music. A great
Books on classical music: Some essentials (1)
A little knowledge will help you enjoy classical music more than none. A lot of knowledge will help even more. Here are a few books that I think every classical music lover should have on their shelves for easy reference.
Sunday book review: ‘Toscanini: Musician of Conscience’
Review: A Life of Toscanini, Maestro with Passion and Principles. The New York Times Book Review, June 27, 2017.