Description
Book SynopsisThe Brooklyn Philharmonic is one of the most innovative and respected symphony orchestras of modern times. It is well known for its community outreach and children''s concerts, innovative Meet the Moderns, and its famous and unparalleled Marathon programs. While it can trace its roots back to the 19th century, the modern Brooklyn Philharmonic had its start in 1954. In How Music Grew in Brooklyn, author Maurice Edwards provides a fascinating, personal, and comprehensive history of this great institution. While this biography centers on the Brooklyn Philharmonic, it also encompasses the greater subject of the vibrant world of music and culture in New York during the second half of the 20th century and the opening decade of the 21st. Edwards begins with a look at the orchestra''s 19th-century forerunner and traces the current orchestra''s beginnings under its founder and first music director Siegfried Landau. The eras of succeeding music directors Lukas Foss, Dennis Russell Davies, and Robert Spano are examined in detail, as is the evolution of the Brooklyn Philharmonic into the official house orchestra of the equally innovative and influential Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). More than two dozen historical photographs and illustrations are included and an 80-page appendix provides a detailed listing of the orchestra''s extraordinary programs, including the famous Marathons.
Trade ReviewThe rapturous sweep of musical history has come to life inside the hallowed concert halls of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, as captured by Maurice Edwards in his engrossing new, meticulously documented, memoir, history, reminiscence and archival treasure, How Music Grew in Brooklyn: A Biography of the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra. The book is at once an intimate inside view and a reference work for musical and cultural scholars, students and lovers of music. -- Eve Berliner * Eve's Magazine *
...an important addition to the cultural archives of Brooklyn, and, in particular, of the "Brooklyn Philharmonia" (later, the "Brooklyn Philharmonic")....This is a book that will be enjoyed not only by music lovers, Brooklynites, and fans of the Brooklyn Philharmonic: it is a book for all seasons and for all readers. * Book Digest *
Maurice Edwards, who spent 40-plus years with the BPO in various roles, has now produced How Music Grew in Brooklyn: A Biography of the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra. A hallmark of the modern BPO has been non-standard repertoire, and students of progressive programming would do well to study his 80-page appendix, a listing of the complete programs offered between 1955 and 2004. * SymphonyNOW *
...the handsome hardback details the ups and downs of the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra's first 50 years...Brooklyn history buffs in particular will swoon... * Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Vol. 53, No. 70 (July 18, 2007) *
A fascinating factual saga told in vivid style...Maurice Edwards, a friend and cohort in the pursuit of arts achievement in Brooklyn, has brought his unique and wonderful style to this saga of a superb orchestra...Maurice has brought all of his skills, his humor, his insights into this brilliantly written book... -- Chuck Reichenthal, Co-Founder of the Brooklyn Arts Council
A fascinating book. I recommend it. -- Lukas Foss
Maurice Edwards furnishes an exceptional insider's look at a maverick orchestra that has effectively pushed to do things differently. -- Joseph Horowitz, Music Critic and Historian
...Maurice Edwards has uncovered an amazing history of musical life....A remarkable tale. -- Eric Salzman
...superb, monumental! * Eric Bentley *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Acknowledgments Part 2 Prelude Part 3 Introduction Chapter 4 1. Overture, the First Brooklyn Philharmonic: 1857 to 1891 Chapter 5 2. The Siegfried Landau Tenure: 1955 to 1971 Chapter 6 3. The Lukas Foss Regime: 1971 to 1990 Chapter 7 4. The Dennis Russell Davies Interregnum: 1990 to 1996 Chapter 8 5. The Robert Spano Ascendency: 1996 to 2004 Part 9 Coda: May 2004 Part 10 Appendix: Brooklyn Philharmonica Programs (Later: "Brooklyn Philharmonic" Programs) Part 11 Brooklyn Philharmonic Discography Part 12 Bibliography Part 13 Index Part 14 About the Author
