Music Sounded Out: Essays, Lectures, Interviews, Afterthoughts

Renowned pianist Brendel is known for his elegant musicianship. However, his writing is honed with elegance as well. With a scholarly approach, Brendel explores such topics as live recordings, humor in classical music, the complexities of performing Mozart, and the art of programming. He delves into specific compositions by such composers as Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, and Schumann. As an example, his essay on Schumann's "Scenes of Childhood" may bring some pianists to the conclusion that their art needs quite a bit of "growing up." Brendel's advice, however, is targeted to himself first. This array of selections was wisely chosen, and continues Musical Thoughts and Afterthoughts (Princeton Univ. Pr., 1976) in which he projected some of the work at hand. The publication of the paperback edition of Musical Thoughts and Afterthoughts , with a new preface, is also scheduled for this month by Farrar. Music collections will want both of these books.
- Kathleen Spark man, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.