Synopsis
Step backstage into the hidden world of the orchestra with PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS, a captivating collection of essays by Hollywood session violinist Constance Meyer. With wit, warmth, and the keen eye of an insider, Meyer shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of classical and studio music-the tuba players, percussionists, violists, and countless others whose artistry forms the backbone of every performance, yet whose stories are rarely told.
From the thunderous depths of the double bass to the shimmering elegance of the harp, Meyer's vivid portraits reveal the quirks, challenges, and quiet triumphs of musicians who thrive in the shadows. Discover the secret lives of film score artists, the relentless dedication of piano technicians, and the transformative power of music education through the eyes of those who live it every day.
Whether you're a lifelong music lover or a curious newcomer, PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS invites you to experience the orchestra as never before-a vibrant, collaborative tapestry woven from countless unseen threads. Prepare to be moved, amused, and inspired by the extraordinary people who make the music that moves us all.
"One of the virtues of Constance Meyer’s Plays Well With Others, besides the wit and charm with which it was written — as well as its vivid descriptions of the sound of each instrument that was the focal point of her long-running series of articles for the LA Times — will be its ability to attract readers who might be hovering around the periphery of an appreciation of classical music. If it succeeds in drawing even a handful of potential devotees to concerts in Disney Hall and beyond, it will have enriched their lives. Through thumbnail sketches of the people who play these sometimes obscure instruments, we learn how they came to study and master them; we get a palpable sense of their dedication to their craft, their thorough acceptance of its exigencies, and their ambitions; and we come a bit closer to understanding the complex collective of personalities and sounds that comprises arts organizations like the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the LA Opera. It’s not easy to write colorfully and convincingly about music for both lay audiences and professionals, but Ms. Meyer knows her readership and pulls off the balancing act with grace and skill. Bravo!"
- Eugene Drucker - A founding member of the Emerson String Quartet, has received eight Grammys, the Avery Fisher Prize and three Gramophone Awards.
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