Composers and songwriters Books

Book SynopsisTrade Review". . . makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of Liszt as a man and superstar. Hilmes shines a light into the shadows behind a life lived in the spotlight, and he finds some surprising and indeed entertaining details there."—Andrew Taylor, Times"If this book has a once-over-lightly feel, that is because there were many intertwined strands in Liszt’s extraordinary life, each of which could merit a book in itself. . . . Hilmes is illuminating on the emergence—and continuance into old age—of Liszt’s preternatural gifts as a pianist. And by drawing on hitherto unpublished documentary sources he provides a riveting chronicle of the composer’s tangled relationships."—Economist"[It] has the great virtue of objectivity, and with the help of Stewart Spencer’s nicely fluent translation, Hilmes does a solid and fair-minded job of charting the long career of one of the dominant and iconic figures of 19th century culture—a romantic in every sense of the word."—Rupert Christiansen, Literary Review". . . Hilmes offers a riveting read, a vibrant story full of cannily etched detail. In the end you feel you have been visiting the characters at home, observing with forensic exactitude all their foibles, neuroses and, sometimes, hideous cruelty."—Jessica Duchen, Sunday Times Ireland"As a well-told, readable, fluently translated story of a strangely conflicted career that affected the lives of people as disparate as Lola Montez and Pope Pius IX [Franz Liszt] would be hard to beat."—Stephen Walsh, London Review of Books"The sub-title of this remarkable book at once tells you where Oliver Hilmes’ chief interest lies. Liszt was, indeed, all of these things, bewilderingly multi-faceted and of super-human strength and achievement. Yet he also paid a heavy price in his journey from 'Le petit Litz’ to ‘Le Grand Liszt.'"—Susan Nickalls, Classical Music "Editors Choice 2016""[A] new and vivid study of the great composer-pianist . . . imparts a novelistic vibrancy and urgency of narrative to a life that was undeniably of great intrinsic interest."—Andrew Thomson, Musical TimesWon the 2017 Choice Award for Outstanding Academic Title"This is the book about Liszt I have been waiting for, vividly evoking both him and his context to reveal him as one the central figures—if not the central figure—of Western music in the nineteenth century, a vital link between Beethoven and Bartók, and a truly great and generous man. At last, we see him whole."—Simon Callow

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Pianists . . . will have much to gain from Rosen’s admirably wide range of musical reference, and his usual rich mixture of musical wisdom and opinion, both eminently worth having."—Leon Plantinga, Times Literary Supplement"In this sparkling ‘short companion,’ Rosen guides the listener through both musical structures and knotty performance decisions. . . . A CD on which Rosen himself plays completes a gorgeous package."—The Guardian"[R]ich in detail . . . graceful and embracing. All admirers of this repertory will gain much from this book. Highly recommended . . ."—Library Journal"[An] outstanding work: a performer’s guide to Beethoven’s piano sonatas. . . . The text is rich in detail, and Rosen’s prose is typically graceful and embracing. All admirers of this repertory will gain much from this book. Highly recommended for all collections."—Library Journal (starred review)"There is scarcely an observation from first page to last that doesn’t prompt the most fruitful reflection on the very essence of interpretation at every level. If you buy only one book on music this year, let it be this one."—Bettina Neumann, Piano"For someone seeking to understand the evolution and reception of the sonatas as a cultural and musical narrative, Rosen’s book will furnish a more vivid and illuminating experience."—Charles Fisk, Notes

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Book Synopsis"One of the most entertaining and informative books of the year...to be enjoyed not only by rock fans, but by anyone interested in popular culture and social change."--NPR.orgTrade ReviewAssociated Press "Fire and Rain: The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, CSNY, and the Lost Story of 1970 is a worthy addition to anyone's collection of such music histories...the nuanced account of the struggles inherent in making music is more than enough to satisfy, as are the delightful surprise connections and asides scattered throughout the book... I couldn't help but be riveted by the account of this group of immensely talented people who also, when they weren't at each other's throats, seemed like they'd be cool to hang out with." Entertainment Weekly A "Best New Summer Read" Chicago Reader "Its principal task is to dive into the 60s hangover on a day-to-day level, describing the tensions that drove U.S./UK rock culture--emblematized by the four artists in the subtitle--toward the sweet, consoling embrace of Let It Be, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Sweet Baby James, and Deja Vu, ... Browne renders this somnambulant period with such care that he makes it seem alive." Mojo "Highly readable ... shifts between the key points smoothly. He unearths some little-told stories along the way." Named one of the "Best Rock Books of the Year" by Rolling Stone Kirkus Reviews "Through the lens of four fabulously successful musical acts, a Rolling Stone contributing editor looks at the moment 1960s idealism "began surrendering to the buzz-kill comedown of the decade ahead...A vivid freeze-frame of Hall of Fame musicians, some of whom would go on to make fine records, none ever again as central to the culture." Parade "This juicy, fascinating read transports you back to a turbulent year...Browne artfully describes the creation of these classic songs in a way that makes them seem brand-new." New York Daily News "Through rich anecdotes and incisive analysis...the book threads traces of politics, but music remains its worthy focus. The form of the book, told chronologically over four seasons, lends it the compacted, real-time drama of an episode of '24'." New York Post "Behind-the-scenes, fly-on-the-wall looks at [the artists] make it a worthwhile read."

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Book SynopsisFormed in 1969 by ex-members of Frank Zappa''s Mothers of Invention, Little Feat created groove-heavy music that was an irresistible mix of rock, blues, R&B, country, jazz, soul, and funk. Fronted by the doomed, enigmatic, and charismatic vocalist and slide guitarist Lowell George, they recorded such classic studio albums as Sailin''shoes and Dixie Chicken , as well as what many consider to be one of the best live albums of all time: Waiting for Columbus . After George''s tragic death in 1979 and a long period of silence, the band later re-formed in 1987, delighting concert crowds with tight renditions of their beloved songs, including their signature outlaw trucker anthem Willin''.Acclaimed journalist Ben Fong-Torres, working with surviving band members and their friends and associates, has based Willin'' on hours of brand-new interviews with all the key players, resulting in the definitive, first-ever biography of this beloved rock ''n'' roll institution.

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Book SynopsisA memoir of the author''s decades-long friendship and spiritual journey with the late singer, songwriter, novelist, and poet Leonard Cohen Leonard Cohen passed away in late 2016, leaving behind many who cared for and admired him, but perhaps few knew him better than longtime friend Eric Lerner. Lerner, a screenwriter and novelist, first met Cohen at a Zen retreat forty years earlier. Their friendship helped guide each other through life''s myriad obstacles, a journey told from a new perspective for the first time. Funny, revealing, self-aware, and deeply moving, Matters of Vital Interest is an insightful memoir about Lerner''s relationship with his friend, whose idiosyncratic style and dignified life was deeply informed by his spiritual practices. Lerner invites readers to step into the room with them and listen in on a lifetime''s ongoing dialogue, considerations of matters of vital interest, spiritual, mundane, and profane. In telling their story, Lerner depicts Leonard Cohen as a captivating persona, the likes of which we may never see again.

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Book SynopsisYears after its release, Neutral Milk Hotel''s In the Aeroplane Over the Sea remains one of the most beloved and best-selling albums in all of indie music, hailed as a classic so influential as to be almost synonymous with the ongoing vinyl revival. But despite its outsized impact, a question looms even larger: why did frontman Jeff Mangum, just as the record propelled him to the brink of music superstardom, choose instead to disappear entirely? The mystery has perplexed listeners for decades-until now.In barely two years, Neutral Milk Hotel rose from house show obscurity in Athens, Georgia, to widespread hype and critical acclaim, selling out rock clubs across the country and gracing the tops of numerous year-end best-of lists. But just as his band was reaching the escape velocity necessary to ascend from indie rock success to mainstream superstar, Mangum hit the eject button. After the 1998 release of Aeroplane and a worldwide tour to support it, Mangum stopp

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Book SynopsisFrom the legendary singer-songwriter of Bad Religion comes a historical memoir and cultural criticism of punk rock’s evolution. Greg Graffin is the lead vocalist and songwriter of Bad Religion, recently described as “America's most significant punk band.” Since its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced 18 studio albums, become a long-running global touring powerhouse, and has established a durable legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time.  Punk Paradox is Graffin's life narrative before and during L.A. punk's early years, detailing his observations on the genre's explosive growth and his band's steady rise in importance. The book begins by exploring Graffin’s Midwestern roots and his life-changing move to Southern California in the mid-’70s. Swept up into the burgeoning punk scene in the exhilarating and often-violent streets of Los Angeles, Graffin and his friends formed Bad Religion, built a fanbase, and became a touring institution. All these activities took place in parallel with Graffin's never ceasing quest for intellectual enlightenment. Despite the demands of global tours, recording sessions, and dedication to songwriting, the author also balanced a budding academic career. In so doing, he managed to reconcile an improbable double-life as an iconic punk rock front man and University Lecturer in evolution.   Graffin’s unique experiences mirror the paradoxical elements that define the punk genre—the pop influence, the quest for society’s betterment, music’s unifying power—all of which are prime ingredients in its surprising endurance. Fittingly, this book argues against the traditional narrative of the popular perception of punk. As Bad Religion changed from year to year, the spirit of punk—and its sonic significance—lived on while Graffin was ever willing to challenge convention, debunk mythology, and liberate listeners from the chains of indoctrination.     As insightful as it is exciting, this thought-provoking memoir provides both a fly on the wall history of the punk scene and astute commentary on its endurance and evolution.

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Book SynopsisModernism has remained a pivotal focus of debate in musicology well into the twenty-first century, and recent critiques have failed to dampen its resilience. However, the picture of modernism has considerably broadened and diversified. As well as new approaches to areas that are relatively familiar, this book explores the less established topicsTable of ContentsIntroduction Björn Heile and Charles Wilson Part I Foundations 1: The Birth of Modernism – Out of the Spirit of Comedy James R. Currie 2: What Was Contemporary Music? The New, the Modern and the Contemporary in the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) Sarah Collins 3: Institutions, Artworlds, New Music Martin Iddon 4: Modernism and History David J. Code 5: Musical Modernity, the Beautiful and the Sublime Edward Campbell Part II Positions 6: Reactive Modernism J. P. E. Harper-Scott 7: Musical Modernism, Global: Comparative Observations Björn Heile 8: Musical Modernism and Exile: Cliché as Hermeneutic Tool Eva Moreda Rodríguez 9: Modernism: The People’s Music? Robert Adlington 10: Modernism for and of the Masses? On Popular Modernisms Stephen Graham 11: Times Like the Present: De-limiting Music in the Twenty-First Century Charles Wilson 12: The Composer as Communication Theorist M.J. Grant 13: How Does Modernist Music Make You Feel? Between Subjectivity and Affect Trent Leipert Part III Practices 14: Between Modernism and Postmodernism: Structure and Expression in John Adams, Kaija Saariaho and Thomas Adès Alastair Williams 15: Foundations and Fixations: Continuities in British Musical Modernism Arnold Whittall 16: The Balinese Moment in the Montreal New Music Scene as a Regional Modernism Jonathan Goldman 17: Vers une écriture liminale: Serialism, Spectralism and Écriture in the Transitional Music of Gérard Grisey Liam Cagney 18: Contemporary Opera and the Failure of Language Amy Bauer 19: ‘Es klang so alt und war doch so neu!’: Modernist Operatic Culture through the Prism of Staging 'Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg' Mark Berry 20: The Modernism of the Mainstream: An Early Twentieth-Century Ideology of Violin Playing Stefan Knapik

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative work offering a fresh look at Beethoven’s life, career, and milieu. “Magisterial” —New York Review of Books.Trade Review"Why are not more musicians' biographies written like this?"Mitsuko Uchida, Books of the Year, The Guardian "If I were to keep only one book on Beethoven this would be a strong contender." Philip Borg-Wheeler, Classical Music "Lockwood writes like an angel, lucid, enthusiastic, stirring and enlightening. Beethoven has found his ablest interpreter." Jonathan Keates, The Spectator "Professor Lockwood's insight and scholarship are profound..." Michael Graubart, The Musical Times "...Professor Lockwood's original perspectives, his formidable knowledge and his elegant style will prove an invaluable new source." Alexander Waugh, Literary Review "...marvellously illuminating." Michael Church, Financial Times "The greatest strength of Lockwood's book-and it has many strengths-is the unusually enlightening way in which this scholar discusses Beethoven's music." The Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of the unswerving artistic vision underlying Beethoven’s symphonies, from a leading scholar of the composer’s works.Trade Review"...[Lockwood] paints a vivid picture of the creative context of each [symphony]." -- James Macmillan - Standpoint"[This] book will surely inspire new interest in Beethoven’s durable masterpieces." -- The New York Review of Books"No one brings Beethoven’s music to life as vividly as Lewis Lockwood. A towering achievement." -- Alan Gilbert, music director, New York Philharmonic"This remarkable book is much more than a guide to Beethoven’s symphonies. By granting us access to the composer’s workshop, Lockwood reveals a faltering human being whose unfaltering artistic resolution remains one of the great stories of the human spirit." -- Scott Burnham, Scheide Professor of Music History, Princeton University"Lockwood has given music lovers a great gift. By looking at historical context—who listened to Beethoven, what he read—and how the symphonies were planned, the reader gets a unique view of the creative process of one of our greatest musical minds." -- Yo-Yo Ma"Lockwood elegantly imparts an enormous amount of fascinating detail, placing each symphony in the context of Beethoven’s work in other genres and concert activity. What a pleasure to read!" -- Emanuel Ax, pianist

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Book SynopsisA Pulitzer Prize–winning critic reflects on the meaning and emotional impact of a Bach masterwork.Trade Review"In short, this is a beautiful and unexpectedly uplifting read which will have you reaching for both Gould's Goldbergs and the Chaconne, and perhaps even looking at the world with renewed thoughtfulness." -- Charlotte Gardner - Gramophone"Lyrical and haunting." -- Alex Ross - The New Yorker"Full of arresting insights about the way music permeates our lives, as well as heartbreaking reflections on the wounds a parent can inflict on a child." -- Michael O'Donnell - The Wall Street Journal"A thought-provoking and accomplished memoir, meeting Kennicott's own criterion that ‘every good book or great piece of music carries with it the possibility of redemption." -- Martha Anne Toll - NPR"With stunning candor and elegance, Kennicott explores the complexities of grieving for an emotionally abusive person with brief dissertations on longing, on learning, on perfectionism... [he] turns what may have been a simple memoir into a shining, nonlinear meditation." -- Zoë Madonna - The Boston Globe

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Book SynopsisThe first English paperback edition of the unique collection of documents which reveal Chopin as teacher and interpreter of his own music. From the accounts of his pupils, acquaintances and contemporaries, together with his own writing, we gain valuable insight into Chopin's pianistic and stylistic practice, his teaching methods and his aesthetic beliefs. The documents are divided into two categories: those concerning technique and style, two notions inseparable in Chopin's mind, and those concerning the interpretation of Chopin's works. Extensive appendix material presents Chopin's essay 'Sketch for a method', as well as annotated scores belonging to Chopin's pupils and acquaintances, and personal accounts of Chopin's playing as experienced by his contemporaries: composers and pianists, pupils and friends, writers and critics. The statements of Chopin's own students in diaries, letters and reminiscences, written, dictated or conveyed by word of mouth, provide the bulk of these accountTrade Review' … truly a book about the way Chopin played the piano, and about the way he interpreted his own music … Anyone interested in Chopin will be grateful to Eigeldinger.' Charles Rosen, The New York Review of Books' … the book is really indispensable to the serious student of Chopin. Almost all those reading it will find their view of the composer made sharper and truer than before.' Nicholas Temperley, MLA NotesTable of ContentsList of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Explanation of references; Editor's note; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Technique and style; 2. Interpretation of Chopin's work; Notes; List of Chopin's pupils whose recollections are quoted in this book; Appendix; Bibliography; Index of persons; Index of musical works.

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Book SynopsisListening to Van Morrison represents Greil Marcus''s quest to trace Morrison''s particular genius through seminal moments in his long career, beginning in 1965, breaking open in 1968 with the incomparable Astral Weeks, and continuing in full force to this day. This is a portrait of a perplexing, mysterious and terrifyingly gifted artist and vocalist at the height of his powers, written by one of our most thoughtful cultural critics.

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Book SynopsisWhy is Mozart the best known and most popular of all the great Western classical composers? More than 250 years after his birth, his reputation stands higher than ever before. It also provides all you need to listen to and enjoy Mozart''s music, and will also introduce a new generation of concert-goers and record-listeners to his life and key works, from opera to symphony, concerto to song. In a crisp, sharp style, with recommendations of good recordings, Nicholas Kenyon shows how Mozart''s music has communicated with unique power across many generations.

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Book SynopsisThomas Adès is feted from Los Angeles to London, from New York to Berlin, as the musician who has done more than any other living composer to connect contemporary music with wider audiences. But this celebrated composer, conductor and pianist is notoriously secretive about his creative process, about what lies behind his compositional impulse. Here, Adès opens up for the first time, in conversations with Tom Service, about how he creates his music, where it comes from, and what it means. In these provocative and challenging interviews, Adès connects his music with influences from a huge historical and cultural spectrum from Sephardic Jewish folk music to 80s electronica, from the films of Luis Buñuel and pre-Columbian art to the soundtracks of Al-Qaeda training videos and offers a unique insight into the crucible of composition.This edition is updated with a foreword on Adès's opera, Exterminating Angel.

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Book SynopsisAbsorbing insights into music and language by one of the world''s greatest Lieder Interpreters.Christian Gerhaher, one of the most important singers of our time, writes vividly of his performing life and the experiences that he has had in over thirty years with the great works of the history of the Lied, from Beethoven's ''An die ferne Geliebte'' via Schubert's great cycles, Schumann's varied Lieder, and art songs from Gustav Mahler to Othmar Schoeck and Wolfgang Rihm. He reflects on what these Lieder mean, what makes each of them unique and how they should be performed. An essential addition to the canon of writing on singing.

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Book SynopsisPatti Smith arrived in New York City at the end of the Age of Aquarius in search of work and purpose. Through her poetry, her songs, her unapologetic vocal power, and her very presence as a woman fronting a rock band, she kicked open a door that countless others walked through. No other musician has better embodied the nothing-to-hide rawness of punk, nor has any other done more to nurture a place in society for misfits of every stripe.Why Patti Smith Matters is the first book about the iconic artist written by a woman. The veteran music journalist Caryn Rose contextualizes Smith's creative work, her influence, and her wide-ranging and still- evolving impact on rock and roll, visual art, and the written word. Rose goes deep into Smith's oeuvre, from her first album, Horses, to acclaimed memoirs operating at a surprising remove from her music. The portrait of a ceaseless inventor, Why Patti Smith Matters rescues punk's poet laureate from strong woman clic

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Book SynopsisLeslie's story of talent, determination and a little bit of luck will take you on a fascinating journey from humble beginnings through this hardest of businesses to dizzying heights.Trade Review

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Book SynopsisThis seminal work by master saxophonist John Harle offers players of all levels the most in-depth approach to playing the saxophone. In this beautifully presented, two-volume boxed set, Harle reveals his ground-breaking techniques for encouraging fluent and natural playing - transforming the musical experience of students and professionals alike

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsAbsolute Beginners; All The Young Dudes; As The World Falls Down; Ashes To Ashes; Beauty And The Beast; Blackstar; Blue Jean; Boys Keep Swinging; Changes; China Girl; Drive-In Saturday; Everyone Says ‘Hi’; Fame; Fashion; Five Years; Golden Years; “Heroes”; I Can’t Give Everything Away; The Jean Genie; John, I’m Only Dancing; Lazarus; Let’s Dance; Life On Mars?; Loving The Alien; The Man Who Sold The World; Modern Love; Moonage Daydream; New Killer Star; Oh! You Pretty Things; Rebel Rebel; Slow Burn; Sound And Vision; Space Oddity; Starman; Strangers When We Meet; Suffragette City; This Is Not America; Thursday’s Child; TVC15; Under Pressure; Young Americans; Where Are We Now?; Ziggy Stardust

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Book SynopsisDiscover where it all began in the inspiring story of Stacey Solomon''s life before becoming an Instagram cleaning sensation''Very honest and very open . . . Brilliant. I advise anyone to go and read it'' Louise Redknapp_______From X Factor star to Queen of the Jungle, Stacey Solomon has never been far from our screens . . .As a kid, Stacey always dreamed of becoming a star. But at 17, it looked like her dream was shattered when she unexpectedly became pregnant.Always the fighter, new single mum Stacey rallied, found a college with a crèche for her son Zachery and waitressed at night, determined that he should have the opportunities she didn''t.And then the X Factor came along, where she stunned Britain with her astonishing voice. She went from hard-up single mum to X Factor favourite, Queen of the Jungle and much-loved TV presenter in just two years.Stacey Solomon''s My Story So Far is a fantastic and inspi

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewHilarious * Stylist *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewI have read the book – it is quite terrific and with a quite enviable sense of flow. In fact a great read, even page turning. Many congratulations. Really wonderful sense of detail in many places. -- Dr Lewis Foreman, distinguished author and expert on British Music of the 20th century. * Dr Lewis Foreman, distinguished author and expert on British Music of the 20th century. *I’ve been a fan of the music of Sir Arthur Bliss for many years. However, reading this book made me realise how superficial was my knowledge of Bliss the man. I believe that this fine new biography will be a major factor in the re-evaluation of the music of Sir Arthur Bliss. -- John Quinn, MusicWeb International * MusicWeb International *

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Book SynopsisUsing his trademark wit, insight and verve, icon Henry Rollins shares journals from his gruelling world tours of 1997 and 1998, as well as a record of the fulfilment of his longstanding dream to journey through Africa. He takes us on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, frustrations and exhilaration - from roving gangs of baboons in Kenya to haggling with immigration officials in Madagascar and his thoughts on meeting his childhood heroes, Black Sabbath - and finds a way to make his unique experiences accessible and meaningful to us all.Trade ReviewAn intelligent and perceptive man * Guardian *A post punk renaissance man. * MTV *

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Book SynopsisAn updated edition of the most comprehensive account of the Rolling Stones'' work yet published, with the full story of every recording session, every album, and every single released during their nearly 60 year career.The Rolling Stones have been recording and touring since 1963, selling more than 200 million records worldwide. While much is known about this iconic group, few books provide a comprehensive history of their time in the studio. In The Rolling Stones All the Songs, authors Margotin and Guesdon describe the origin of every song the band has released, details from the recording studio, what instruments were used, and behind-the-scenes stories of the great artists who contributed to their tracks.Organized chronologically by album, this massive, 760-page hardcover begins with their 1963 eponymous debut album recorded over five days at the Regent Studio in London; through their collaboration with legendary producer Jimmy Miller in the ground-breaking albums from 1968 to 1973; to their later work with Don Was, who has produced every album since Voodoo Lounge. Packed with more than 500 photos, All the Songs is also filled with stories fans treasure, such as how the mobile studio the group pioneered was featured in Deep Purple''s classic song Smoke on the Water or how Keith Richards used a cassette recording of an acoustic guitar to get the unique riff on Street Fighting Man.

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Book SynopsisOffers an account of how the Bomb Squad produced a singular-sounding record - the engineering, sampling, scratching, constructing, deconstructing and reconstructing. This title delves into the original songs that were sampled and recontextualized. It shows which of the four Bomb Squad members had the most personal relationship with each sample.Table of Contents1. "Yes....The Rhythm, The Rebel" 2. "This Is A Sampling Sport" 3. "Back...Caught You Looking For The Same Thing" 4. "Beat Is The Father Of Your Rock'n'Roll" 5. "Consider Yourselves Warned" 6. "All In, We're Gonna Win" 7. "Def Jam Tells You Who I Am" 8. "Here We Go Again" Works Cited

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Book SynopsisBob Dylan: Outlaw Blues is a major new biography, a story of the life of a man that intrigues his audience - both young and old. Bob Dylan's past and present is comprehensively detailed in this new book which will be published in July 2020, that is, in Bob Dylan's eightieth year.Trade Review`There simply aren't enough books about Bob Dylan. So complex is he as a human being, a songwriter, a poet, a guitarist, a pianist, a vocalist (never a mere singer), enough words can never be written about him. Dylan is to this day - inscrutable and unfathomable. Thank you, Spencer, for this, I feel some corners have been brightened, yet still you've left us plenty to ponder for ourselves, such is any great writer's wish.' Ian McNabb

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Book SynopsisBob Dylan in the Big Apple takes you on Dylan's journey through the streets of New York - the locations, characters and stories that formed a backdrop to his life and work. Follow in his early footsteps to the Cafe Wha? and more recently the Beacon Theatre. With maps, illustrations and wonderful stories this is a must for any Dylan enthusiast.Trade Review‘There is something magical about walking in the footsteps of our musical heroes. Whether it’s the Beatles in Liverpool, Leonard Cohen in Hydra or Bob Dylan in New York City, these pilgrimages can be vastly more rewarding than any planned vacation. Refreshingly non-academic, this book begins and ends at the Beacon Theatre, where Dylanophiles from around the world converge for a glimpse of the enigma that is Bob Dylan. This is your travel guide through time and space to the favorite haunts of the most celebrated folkie on planet earth.’ Kevin Odegard, musician, ‘Blood on The Tracks’

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Book SynopsisBob Dylan born in Duluth in Minnesota, grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota and cut his musical teeth in the folk scene of Dinkytown, Minnesota. This book brings together wonderful stories from each of these key locations and provides detailed information about the roots and the early life of Bob Dylan.

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Book Synopsis'Little Richard' is a fun-packed biography about a unique musician, singer and songwriter. An influential and charismatic man he lived his life as though he were continually on stage. On page after page, you will be exclaiming 'Ooh! My Soul'. Come and meet Lucille, Long Tall Sally, Miss Ann and Good Golly Miss Molly. Come and enjoy the company!Trade Review'I have known and admired Spencer Leigh's work as a music historian for many years. When he describes music and musicians of a bygone age, we become aware of so much more than the songs and performers - the era itself returns to life and we are reminded that all art, notably popular art, is inspired by, and inseparable from, its time and place, and if we don't understand that background, the story is far from complete', Sir Tim Rice

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Book SynopsisKnowing Britten is a vivid and insightful account of Steuart Bedford's long association with both Britten the man and his music - 2021 Book of the Year -Presto MusicThe conductor and pianist Steuart Bedford (1939-2021) could not remember a time when he did not know Benjamin Britten. His mother, Lesley Duff, sang with the English Opera Group in the premieres of The Rape of Lucretia and Albert Herrring in the late 1940s, and the family was closely involved with Britten and Pears for many years. Following his music studies and time on the music staff at Glyndebourne, Bedford joined the English Opera Group, gradually becoming Britten's trusted surrogate conductor. As Britten's health began to fail, he took on responsibility for the premiere performances of Britten's final opera, Death in Venice, including its US premiere at the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and the dramatic cantata Phaedra among others.Trade ReviewA deeply heartfelt account with a wealth of personal photos.... A loving tribute to two great musicians, a must for Britten fans. -- Susan Pierotti * Stringendo, Journal of the Australian Strings Association *Table of ContentsTable of Contents: 1. My mind beats on 2. A thirst, a leaping, wild unrest, a deep desire 3. Should I give up the fruitless struggle with the word? 4. So be it 5. What lies in wait for me here? 6. My head is heavy, my eyelids ache 7. I must go elsewhere, I must find a clearer sky, a fresher air 8. How much better to live, not words but beauty, to exist in it, and of it 9. The power of beauty sets me free 10. Yet I am driven on 11. O voluptuous days, O the joy I suffer 12. So the moments pass 13. And now, Paedrus, I will go No epilogue, I pay you for your play needs no excuse Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisPianist Helmut Deutsch relates his journey from unknown repetiteur to one of the most refined and sought-after accompanists of the modern era. In this book, he gives, with humour and modesty, fascinating insights into pianistic technique, repertoire, performance, interpersonal relationships, and the special qualities required for his profession.Trade Review'This is a book which will surely appeal to any classical music lover, and in particular those with a penchant for lieder. Meanwhile pianists, and especially those who practice the art of accompanying, will find that the book offers a plethora of expert insight and valuable understanding. For college students learning this art, and those intent on a portfolio career, the book is absolutely invaluable.' - Andrew Eales @pianodao.com. 'All lovers of song will want this book, it illuminates with wit what it is to be an accompanist, and provides a clear-sighted view from 50 years partnering singers.' Robert Hugill @planethugill.com 'Outstanding. How often does one read a book from the first page to the last without putting it down? And feel sad when one has finished?' - Ingrid Wanja, OperaLounge ; 'This volume is quite simply treasure-trove: required reading for all those devoted to Lieder, and a wonderfully tasty appetizer for those as yet unfamiliar with the genre.' - Rotary-Magazin ; 'This book describes, with humour and with intelligence, Helmut Deutsch's journey from unknown repetiteur to one of the most sought-after accompanists of the modern era. Apart from pianistic technique we also learn the qualities required for his profession of accompanist: empathy, flexibility, psychological sensitivity, patience and the ability to take a step back and be at the service of others.' - Nicole Restle, Das Magazin der Berliner PhilharmonikerTable of ContentsForeword by Alfred Brendel, Translator's note, Acknowledgements, Prologue, 1. Hermann Prey. The first concert, 2. ' . . . and dream a blissful dream.' Japan, 3. 'What a dream profession!' The years with Hermann Prey, 4. Even Karajan had to laugh. Childhood and adolescence, 5. The right partnership. Early years as a song accompanist. Ileana Cotrubas, Irmgard Seefried, Rita Streich, 6. Hermann Prey. Winterreisen and anecdotes, 7. Yumiko Samejima, 8. Josef Protschka, 9. Olaf Bar, 10. Brigitte Fassbaender, 11. Practising, 12. Working with the singer, 13. Bo Skovhus, 14. Bernd Weikl, 15. Peter Schreier, 16. Thomas Quasthoff, 17. Teaching, 18. Juliane Banse, 19. Dietrich Henschel, 20. Jonas Kaufmann, 21. Stefanie Iranyi, 22. Mauro Peter, 23. Of pianos and concert-grands, 24. The day of the concert, 25. The concert, 26. Page-turners, 27. After the concert, 28. Barbara Bonney, 29. Angelika Kirchschlager, 30. Programmes, 31. Andreas Schmidt, 32. Recordings, 33. Grace Bumbry, 34. Matthias Goerne, 35. The press, 36. Werktreue and liberties, 37. Michael Volle, 38. Diana Damrau, 39. Competitions, 40. Piotr Beczala, 41. Camilla Nylund, 42. Singers and accompanists, 43. The Liederabend - past and future, 44. Epilogue, Appendices: Contributor biographies, The singers, Selected discography, Index of names

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Book SynopsisEthereal and enigmatic glass slides preserve the resonance of Hughes' voice in rippling, organic compositions The acclaimed Welsh singer and philanthropist Margaret Watts Hughes (18421907) was one of many inventors of her day fascinated by the visual documentation of sound. Her eidophone comprised a tube attached to a chamber covered in rubber, or diaphragm. Hughes covered a glass slide with grains of sand or coarse pigment, then saturated it with water or milk. By singing into the device, the vibrations of her voice would etch out patterns onto the disc: an artistic rendering of the scientific principle of standing-wave resonance. Her Voice Figures, as she called them, ranged from primitive patterns to designs resembling flowers, seashells and other natural phenomena. While Hughes valued her discovery for both its scientific and spiritual implications, leaders of the Theosophical movement saw her work as a means of making visible the invisible world.Sound May Be Seen presents selections from Hughes' original 1891 publication of the Voice Figures and a rare surviving set of her glass slides, alongside contemporary reactions to her captivating and ultimately enigmatic work.

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Book SynopsisCross-cultural collaboration in popular music represents opportunities for the audibility of multiple voices and the creation of new sounds, but it also presents many challenges. These challenges are both musical ? that is, how to technically match voices ? and ethical ? that is, how to negotiate historically entrenched power discrepancies. Practice-based research has recently developed as a field in popular music studies. This burgeoning area has much to offer in terms of new knowledge, based on embodied insights, lived experience, and an arts practice. Through a practitioner-centred account of three projects involving traditional Persian and Vietnamese musicians, and western folk/rock musicians, this Element suggests pragmatic strategies and conceptual frameworks for making pop music with people of different cultural backgrounds.

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Book SynopsisThis Element offers a critical analysis of the history of Elliott Carter''s String Quartet No. 1 and the composer''s rise to public acclaim, not through the study of the work itself but through intriguing and captivating narratives that surround this quartet and their socio-cultural-political context, which led Carter to become one of the most dominant voices in the post-1945 American music scene. Carter''s road to success was meticulously paved by powerful institutions and individuals, including critics, scholars, festival and radio programming directors, and the US government, for whom, in the context of the Cold War, Carter was chosen to represent an exemplary American triumphant story. The author argues that it is not the quartet itself that contributed to Carter''s reception and legacy, but the inextricable narratives that we associate with this work.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn February 2024, America''s favourite wild child, Miley Cyrus received recognition from her peers, finally, after 15 years. With two Grammy Awards, over 20 million albums and 55 million singles sold worldwide and a wardrobe full of iconic outfits, Miley is now a pop chameleon equal to her idols Madonna, Dolly Parton and Debbie Harry, as well as an inspiring feminist role model to her global fanbase and a leading female songwriter willing to break all the industry rules.This Little Guide to Miley Cyrus is packed with all the wonderful wit, wisdom and wisecracks her fans have come to expect... and a whole lot more. Taken from interviews across her entire career, this tiny tome reveals the real Miley Cyrus, one candid, controversial and classic quote at a time.I''m introducing my audience, my generation, to everything that inspired me and created this cocktail of chaos that I am.Miley, on Plastic Hearts, interview with Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, December 4, 2020.I don''t want, in my life ever, some prince dude to come save me. I don''t need to be saved. I''m my own person. I''m strong.Miley, on not need saving by a man, interview with Marie Claire, December 3, 2015.Miley''s birth name, given to her in 1992, was Destiny Hope. However, she legally changed her name to Miley in 2008. She chose Miley due to her childhood nickname - Smiley.Miley''s ''Flowers'', released in January 2023 became her biggest hit, and her first No.1 smash since ''Wrecking Ball'' in 2013. ''Flowers'' remains the the fastest song in Spotify''s history to cross 100 million plays globally in seven days.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA philosophical look at heavy metal''s dark masters of reality, Black Sabbath Black Sabbath is one of the world''s most influential and enduring rock bands. Dubbed the Beatles of heavy metal by Rolling Stone, they helped to define a genre with classic songs like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs, songs whose lyrics reveal hidden depth and philosophical insight. Their songs confront existential despair, social instability, political corruption, the horrors of war, and the nature of evil. This book explores the wide range of profound ideas in the band''s music and lyrics to help you understand Black Sabbath as never before. Discusses and debates essential Black Sabbath topics and themes, such as the problem of evil, War Pigs and the nature of just war theory, whether or not Sabbath is still Sabbath without Ozzy, and whether evil is in the ear of the beholder Gives you new perspectives on Black Sabbath''s music and lyrics Provides a deeper aTrade Review“This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, shedding a lot of light on the members, music, and society with regards to everything from religion to family.” (Sacramento Book Review, 1 June 2013) “This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, shedding a lot of light on the members, music, and society with regards to everything from religion to family.” (City Book Review, 1 March 2013) “Black Sabbath & Philosophy is a wholly absorbing read large . . . A long-overdue work, and a rewarding one both for fans and those curious about the philosophical gravity behind all those murky riffs.” (PopMatters, 11 January 2013) “Much like Black Sabbath themselves, this wide-ranging, amusing book entertains and makes your brain ache in equal measure.” (Record Collector, 1 December 2012) “A book to dip into, that will get you thinking and almost certainly have you going back and listening to your old Black Sabbath albums in a different light. Highly recommended.” (Get Ready to Rock, 20 November 2012) Table of ContentsIntroduction: “What Is This That Stands Before Me?” x Acknowledgments: They Sold Their Souls for Rock ‘n’ Roll xii Part I Necessary Evil 1 1 Beyond Good and Evil: Facing Your Demons With Black Sabbath and Existentialism 3 William Irwin 2 Masters of a Better Possible Reality: Conquering Evil With Love 12 Liz Stillwaggon Swan 3 “Is It the End, My Friend?” Black Sabbath’s Apocalypse of Horror 20 Brian Froese Part II Playing Devil’s Advocate 31 4 Black Sabbath and the Sound of Evil 33 Joel McIver 5 The Worst of All Possible Worlds: Schopenhauer Meets Sabbath 41 James Heathers 6 Tony Iommi’s Hand of Doom: From Plastic Fingertips to Creative Freedom 51 Ken Pepper Part III The Dark Art of Metal 61 7 The Art of Black Sabbath: Aristotle Joins the Band 63 Greg Littmann 8 Black Sabbath and the Problem of Defining Metal 76 Søren R. Frimodt-Møller 9 Saint Vitus Dance: The Art of Doom 87 Manuel Bremer and Daniel Cohnitz 10 Gods, Drugs, and Ghosts: Finding Dionysus and Apollo in Black Sabbath and the Birth of Heavy Metal 96 Dennis Knepp Part IV Is It Still Sabbath Without Ozzy? 111 11 It’s Not Sabbath Unless Ozzy’s the Singer (But It’s Fine If You Disagree) 113 James Bondarchuk 12 Fightin’ Words: Sabbath Doesn ’ t Need the Ozzman 126 Wesley D. Cray 13 The Name Remains the Same—But Should It? 140 Mark D. White Part V Symptoms of The Universe 149 14 Wicked World: The Politics of the Supernatural in Black Sabbath 151 Erich Christiansen 15 “Demons, Dreamers, and Madmen”: Is Ozzy Going Insane? 163 Kevin McCain 16 “As the War Machine Keeps Turning”: Just War Theory, Pacifism, and the War on Terror 171 Jacob M. Held 17 Stop Stereotyping Sabbath: Sex, Subjugation, and Stupidity 182 Robert Arp Contributors: Children of the Grave 190 Index: The Writ 195

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Book SynopsisA musical biography that reveals Joaquín Rodrigo as a composer of unique vision

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Book Synopsis_______________A series of dazzling case studies exploring the idea of lateness in a range of composers, writers and artists'' - London Review of BooksGracefully unquiet, probing and wise ... Said''s own elegiac masterpiece of late style'' - Financial TimesWhat Said stands for - critical intelligence, high art and the preservation of the language - must be at the centre of our lives. This book is a fine monument to his life and work'' - Hanif KureishiHis own late style, if it is acceptable to call it that, mixes an easy mastery of material with an unquenched desire to preserve difficulties'' - Guardian_______________On Late Style examines the work produced by great artists -Beethoven, Thomas Mann, Jean Genet among them - at the end of their lives. Said makes it clear that, rather than the resolution of a lifetime''s artistic endeavour, most of the late works discussed are rife with contradiction and almost impenetrabTrade ReviewSaid's last book is a series of dazzling case studies exploring the idea of lateness in a range of composers, writers and artists. * London Review of Books *What Said stands for - critical intelligence, high art and the preservation of the language - must be at the centre of our lives. This book is a fine monument to his life and work * Hanif Kureishi *Gracefully unquiet, probing and wise ... Said's own elegiac masterpiece of late style * Financial Times *Table of ContentsForeword by Mariam C. Said Introduction by Michael Wood 1. Timeliness and Lateness 2. Return to the Eighteenth Century 3. Cosìfan tutte at the Limits 4. On Jean Genet 5. A Lingering Old Order 6. The Virtuoso as Intellectual 7. Glimpses of Late Style Notes Index

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Book SynopsisThe life of the world's first music superstar and the original 'King of Pop'. From child prodigy to the darling of European courts, discover the personal and professional life of one of the greatest composers of all time. Beloved and hyped, controversial and divisive. Who was the real Mozart?

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Book SynopsisWhen the Beatles burst onto the pop scene in 1962, they not only took the music world by storm but they also brought with them a counter culture that was to have far-reaching effects. With their long hair, humour and irreverent attitude towards authority, they were a breath of fresh air to a generation who had grown weary of the greyness of the post-war years. Beatlemania was to unleash a revolution against an outdated age. The 1950s with its oppressive and authoritarian attitudes was ready for change and young people, desperate to escape suburbia with its stifling formality, were set to lead that rebellion. In politics, fashion, education, the arts, religion, television, women's rights and universities, the time had come to challenge the old order. And in came the swinging sixties with its more liberal attitudes offering hope of change and a more peaceful and just world. The introduction of the contraceptive pill, legalized abortion, gay rights, easier divorce and the relaxing of

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