Classic Fm Musical Anecdotes


Book Description

Henry Kelly and John Foley have compiled a symphony of anecdotes, notes, and quotes from the world of classical music—composers, conductors, soloists, instruments, and their critics; from batons to Beethoven, maracas to Meistersinger, Verdi to violas.




Classic Ephemera


Book Description

Do you want to know your Allegri from your Allegro? Your Tavener from your Taverner? Even your Bach from your Offenbach? Classic Ephemera is a musical miscellany packed with all manner of handy information: telling trivia, curious quotes and fascinating facts.




Friendly Guide to Music


Book Description

A friendly, jargon-free introduction to the music played on Classic FM to accompany the radio series presented by Tony Robinson, with a CD of excerpts from the most popular pieces in the Classic FM 'Hall of Fame'.







Whole Notes


Book Description

Life Lessons through Music Shortlisted for The Age Non-fiction Book of the Year; People's Choice, Queensland Books of the Year; Booksellers' Choice Non-fiction Book of the Year. How can we pause long enough to repair ourselves? How can we make space and time in our lives to know ourselves? One way is through music - learning music, listening to music, being open to music. Because music consoles and restores us. Through music, whether we are listening or playing, we know ourselves more intimately, more honestly, and more clearly with every note. And with every note, music offers us a hand to the beyond. Through music, we can say what we didn't even know we felt. This book is an ode to music, and a celebration of humanity's greatest creation. It is not a call to arms, but a call to instruments. In music, Ed Ayres finds answers to the big questions life throws at us. Using personal anecdotes - including those relating to his transition from Emma to Ed - and observations from teaching and learning music, Ed finds hope in our desire to become whole, with some simple music lessons along the way. PRAISE 'Whole Notes may appear to be about music, but really, it's simply about how to be kind and how to listen without judgement. Which is the best definition of love, no?' Jessie Tu, Sydney Morning Herald 'A truly beguiling account' Geraldine Doogue 'An almost divine presence' Rick Morton 'This is a gorgeous read. It is entertaining and educating in equal measure, and will leave its readers inspired' Celia Cobb, The Strad 'Don't miss this book - it is an ode to music, by a truly inspirational teacher' Inge Southcott, Loud Mouth, Music Trust e-zine 'Ayres communicates with joy, and clarity, inviting us to walk the journey of life with openness to others' Bishop Ian Palmer, The Melbourne Anglican 'With his collection of essayistic reflections on the beauty of music and what the process of learning it can teach us about life, Ayres has gifted his reader with something truly generous and utterly joyful' Stella Charls, Readings




Beethoven


Book Description

“An ideal ‘first book’ on Beethoven” from one of the world’s most eminent classical music aficionados (Booklist). Beethoven scholar and classical radio host John Suchet has had a lifelong, ardent interest in the man and his music. Here, in his first full-length biography, Suchet illuminates the composer’s difficult childhood, his struggle to maintain friendships and romances, his ungovernable temper, his obsessive efforts to control his nephew’s life, and the excruciating decline of his hearing. This absorbing narrative provides a comprehensive account of a momentous life, as it takes the reader on a journey from the composer’s birth in Bonn to his death in Vienna. Chronicling the landmark events in Beethoven’s career—from his competitive encounters with Mozart to the circumstances surrounding the creation of the well-known “Für Elise” and Moonlight Sonata—this book enhances understanding of the composer’s character, inspiring a deeper appreciation for his work. Beethoven scholarship is constantly evolving, and Suchet draws on the latest research, using rare source material (some of which has never before been published in English) to paint a complete and vivid portrait of the legendary prodigy. “A gripping and thought-provoking read.” —Howard Shelley, pianist and conductor “By exercising a genuine authority in identifying how Beethoven, the man, manifests himself in our appreciation of the music, Suchet brings an incisive freshness to an extraordinary life.” —Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Principal of the Royal Academy of Music




YEAR OF WONDER: Classical Music for Every Day


Book Description

As featured in the Telegraph and on Radio 4's Today programme. 'A magnificent treasury . . . a fascinating tour de force.' Observer 'Year of Wonder is an absolute treat - the most enlightening way to be guided through the year.' Eddie Redmayne Classical music for everyone - an inspirational piece of music for every day of the year, celebrating composers from the medieval era to the present day, written by award-winning violinist and BBC Radio 3 presenter Clemency Burton-Hill. Have you ever heard a piece of music so beautiful it stops you in your tracks? Or wanted to discover more about classical music but had no idea where to begin? Year of Wonder is a unique celebration of classical music by an author who wants to share its diverse wonders with others and to encourage a love for this genre in all readers, whether complete novices or lifetime enthusiasts. Clemency chooses one piece of music for each day of the year, with a short explanation about the composer to put it into context, and brings the music alive in a modern and playful way, while also extolling the positive mindfulness element of giving yourself some time every day to listen to something uplifting or beautiful. Thoughtfully curated and expertly researched, this is a book of classical music to keep you company: whoever you are, wherever you're from. 'The only requirements for enjoying classical music are open ears and an open mind.' Clemency Burton-Hill Playlists are available on most streaming music platforms including Apple Music.




Becoming an Orchestral Musician


Book Description

A guide for professional musicians on how to succeed in joining an orchestra or ensemble, and how to survive as an orchestral musician during their career.




The Last Miles


Book Description

The story of the final recordings of one of the greatest jazz musicians of the twentieth century




Perfect Pitch


Book Description

'Sharply insightful and vividly imaginative... the perfect Christmas gift for anyone asking: 'How do I get into classical music?'' - Rupert Christiansen, Mail on Sunday 'A treat from the very first page... written with style and humour, this is a perfect introduction to classical music for a beginner, a companion for the music lover, and sheer entertainment for both.' - Joanna Lumley Nearly all of us have the capacity to enjoy classical music but too often we are put off by not knowing where to look, or what we are actually looking for. We feel the need of a guide to help navigate such vast and varied artistic terrain. With this delightful book, historian Tim Bouverie provides just this. Drawing on his lifelong passion for music, he has created a compilation of 100 classical masterpieces sure to move and be enjoyed by almost anyone. Some are well-known, some more idiosyncratic, others hidden gems waiting to be brought into the light. All are intended to comfort and inspire. He provides a short introduction to each piece - variously anecdotal, personal, historical and quirky - and a recommended recording to try. Highly accessible and entertaining, Perfect Pitch is filled with engrossing stories and insights that bring to life 300 years of the world's greatest music. An accompanying playlist is available on Spotify.