Description
Book SynopsisThis first biography of Rudolph Ganz provides a balanced appraisal of his music and its effect on the western tradition. Illustrated. Extensive endnotes and appendixes.
Trade ReviewFor those who care about music in Chicago, in America, and everywhere else in the Western world, his legacy as a man and artist remains. -- Bernard Jacobson, former music critic, CHICAGO DAILY NEWS
In its careful chronology of an extraordinary life and in its many in-depth quotations from the subject himself, this long overdue book on Rudolph Ganz is much more than just a history and a memoir; it is a guidepost for anyone seriously interested in music at any level. The perception, wisdom, teachings, humor, and above all, the humanity of Ganz shine through in every page and serve to remind us of the richness of the music and of life itself. -- Norman Pellegrini, program director, WFMT, Chicago
Superb pianist, conductor, composer, and teacher, Rudi Ganz was above all a warm and delightful man, a true homo universalis, a renaissance man. He is brilliantly captured by his stepdaughter, Jean Colette Collester, in this fine book. -- Norman Ross, civic and cultural leader, Chicago
...this fluidly written book gives an outstanding impression of a remarkable artist's career. * Journal Of Police Crisis Negotiations *
This is more than an affectionate portrait of a remarkable music man. It is a thoughtful reflection on Rudi Ganz, whose ebullient spirit at times concealed his true genius. It is also an exciting tale of the creative artists he knew who changed 20th century music forever. -- Studs Terkel, Chicago
...Collester writes with order, sequence, and timely explanations of terms, social conditions, and even architecture, bringing Ganz's world to life.... * Clavier *
All but eclipsed in many history books by his media-nurtured colleagues, Rudolph Ganz was one of the most energetic and innovative educator/conductor/composer/performers of his time. Those of us who knew him in his years as genial patriarch of the Chicago scene have long wished for his story to be told. His stepdaughter, Jeanne Colette Collester, has finally set his impressive record straight with a biography that is neither psychbabble nor gush. Admirers and new friends alike are in her debt. -- Thomas Willis, former music critic, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
It is packed with the kind of information scholars need...but the warmth and intelligence of the man emerges, whether the topic is his lifelong interest in new music, his uncanny skill with young audiences, or his Chicago friendships. * Chicago Sun-Times *
