The Light of Other Days, Vol. 1 of 2 (Classic Reprint)

Willert Beale

ISBN 10: 0259393207 / ISBN 13: 9780259393207

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book presents a captivating journey through the vibrant world of 19th-century music and theatre, seen through the eyes of a young boy growing up amidst a family deeply entrenched in the industry. The author's father, a partner in a prominent music publishing firm, provides an insider's perspective on the era's renowned composers, singers, and performers, including J.B. Cramer, Sigismund Thalberg, Franz Liszt, and the beloved Giulia Grisi. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of London's burgeoning music scene, with vivid descriptions of iconic locations like Regent Street and Covent Garden. It delves into the challenges and triumphs of the music publishing business, the intricacies of opera production, and the evolving landscape of musical tastes and preferences. Beyond the historical details, this book explores universal themes of family, ambition, and the pursuit of artistic expression. It captures the excitement and wonder of a child's perspective, offering a unique lens on a bygone era while reflecting on the enduring power of music to inspire and connect generations. Through the author's insightful observations and engaging anecdotes, the reader gains a profound appreciation for the individuals who shaped the 19th-century music world and the legacy they left behind. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9780259393207_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Light of Other Days, Vol. 1 of 2 (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0259393207
• ISBN 13: 9780259393207
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Biography and Autobiography

About this title

Synopsis

Step into the mind’s eye of a 19th‑century impresario and relive the dawn of modern music culture.

This memoir invites you to see the show business world through the recollections, opinions, and anecdotes of a pioneering figure. From bustling London streets to Dublin theaters, it unlocks a vivid slice of musical life, backstage politics, and the rise of new concert styles. The narrative blends personal memory with sharp observations of artists, venues, and the social backdrop that shaped an era.

• A behind‑the‑scenes portrait of composers, performers, and managers who built London’s early musical institutions.
• Anecdotes about famous names, dramatic premieres, and the challenges of staging concerts and operas.
• Insight into venue design, acoustics, and the evolving business of music retail and performance.
• Personal reflections on friendships, rivalries, and the colorful world of 19th‑century theatre and opera.

Ideal for readers of music history, memoirs, and fans of Victorian culture who enjoy vivid memories of performances, venues, and the people who shaped the arts.