Description
Book SynopsisVictorian-era divas who were better paid than some corporate chairmen, the boy soprano who grew up to give Bing Crosby a run for his money, music directors who were literally killed by the job-the plot of a Broadway show or a dime-store novel? No, the unique and colorful history of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Trade Review"... Filled with facts that add to the legend of the Cathedral." -Handing on the Faith "Fifth Avenue Famous: The Extraordinary Story of Music at St. Patrick's Cathedral (May, $29.95) by Salvatore Basile examines the 125-year history of its choir." -Publishers Weekly "Salvatore Basile offers a well-written, engaging history of one of the most important churches in New York City, entwining its narrative with a greater one that encompasses elements of the history of media, culture, and religion on a national scale. He also introduces readers to significant church musicians whose lives and music resonated beyond the walls of the St. Patrick's to liturgical arenas as far away as St. Peter's in Rome." -- -Denise Gallo Head of Acquisitions and Processing Section Music Division, The Library of Congress "This fascinating chronicle is not only a history of arguably the most visible Catholic church in the world, but indeed all New York's colorful church music landscape, from the earliest recorded days to the present. Basile's very colorful style makes what could easily be a dry subject into a most enjoyable ride through thick and thin times, grand occasions, countless famous personalities, and of course the ever-present church politics. A must read for any American Catholic church musician!" -- -Scott Turkington Director, The Church Music Association of America "The story of the music at St. Patrick's Cathedral has now been told in a new and richly detailed book." -Catholic New York "Mr. Basile's tome bulges with facts, anecdotes and legend, beautifully woven into a fine narrative covering the period from 1879 to 2010. Thoroughly researched, well documented and wonderfully written, Basile provides the reader with continuous amazement and hilarity. You will not find a better opportunity to 'read between the lines' than in this book." -- -McNeil Robinson Chair of the Organ Department, Manhattan School of Music, Director of Music, Church of the Holy Trinity (Roman Catholic) "Basile's writing style and effortless wit projects New York City's civic, musical and ecclesiastical spirit as only a New Yorker would view it." -- -Stephen Rapp Director of Music, St. John's Lutheran Church, Stamford, CT
