Fascinating biographies of twenty seven of the most famous Classical Composers have been included to feature the most interesting aspects of their lives and careers. Beethoven composed and directed his Ninth and final symphony, the greatest classical work ever written, when he was stone deaf and heard not a note. Bach was the most prolific composer, he fathered twenty children; how he found time to write so much beautiful music remains a mystery. Puccini played the piano in a bawdy house as a young teen to support his parents, he lost both his virginity and religion there; but lived to create some of the most lyrical opera arias ever composed. Liszt talked a crazy Russian Countess out of shooting him as she aimed the loaded revolver to end their affair. Borodin was a famous Russian chemist who made scientific discoveries that bear his name and wrote some of the most melodic music ever composed as a hobby. Rimsky-Korsakoff was a navel cadet who fell from the top mast of the ship, missed the deck, landed in the water, and lived to compose the unforgettable sea saga, “Scheherazade.” Saint Saens completed the “Carnival of the Animals,” the work for which he is best remembered; but refused to allow it to be published during his lifetime fearing it would diminish his reputation as a serious Classical composer. Mozart learned to play the piano at three and wrote his first composition at five and made his first concert appearance at the same age while traveling through Europe to entertain royalty and the aristocracy.
Following the biography, each work of the composer, worthy of note, will be examined in detail with commentary directed to the three attributes reflected in the composition: spectacular dynamics; sublime melody; and captivating creations. Each phrase has been defined by examples in the “Preface” of the book. Where the entire composition has been recognized as a masterpiece predicated upon critical acclaim, professional opinion, and popular acceptance, a single asterisk will be employed to denote a rating of excellent. Two symbols will be used to imply an exceptional work; and three signals that it is extraordinary and exists at the summit of the genre. All compositions will be judged in the genre to which each belongs. It would be very unfair to compare a string quartet with a symphony.
The works under review are not relegated to the twenty seven most famous composers since they do not have a monopoly on beautiful music. The outstanding works of an additional sixty five composers are also presented for the reader’s edification.
The author studied Classical Music under Professor Roland Nadeau, founder of the Music Department at Northeastern University, and famous musicologist who broadcast his radio program, “A Note to You,” on National Public Radio for thirty four years. It was the respected professor who inspired me to write this book in his memory.
Following the biography, each work of the composer, worthy of note, will be examined in detail with commentary directed to the three attributes reflected in the composition: spectacular dynamics; sublime melody; and captivating creations. Each phrase has been defined by examples in the “Preface” of the book. Where the entire composition has been recognized as a masterpiece predicated upon critical acclaim, professional opinion, and popular acceptance, a single asterisk will be employed to denote a rating of excellent. Two symbols will be used to imply an exceptional work; and three signals that it is extraordinary and exists at the summit of the genre. All compositions will be judged in the genre to which each belongs. It would be very unfair to compare a string quartet with a symphony.
The works under review are not relegated to the twenty seven most famous composers since they do not have a monopoly on beautiful music. The outstanding works of an additional sixty five composers are also presented for the reader’s edification.
The author studied Classical Music under Professor Roland Nadeau, founder of the Music Department at Northeastern University, and famous musicologist who broadcast his radio program, “A Note to You,” on National Public Radio for thirty four years. It was the respected professor who inspired me to write this book in his memory.
