Among the first of Gerald Abraham's many books were studies of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, and his knowledge of Russian literature and culture has provided the key to his extensive research into the history of Slavonic music. Studies in Russian Music brings together critical essays on the most important of Rimsky-Korsakov's operas, and others such as Borodin's Prince Igor , Dargomizhsky's Stone Guest , and also includes chapters on Glinka, Mussorgsky, Balakirev and Tchaikovsky, copiously illustrated by music examples. In his Preface the author 'Although this is a book of separate essays, it is, I hope, given a certain unity by the fact that each chapter deals with some product or aspect of the 'classical' period of Russian the music of Glinka and, more particularly, that written in the half-century following his death. I have almost ignored Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky, preferring to concentrate on the less discussed members of the 'mighty handful,' above all on Rimsky-Korsakov who has hitherto been unaccountably neglected by non-Russian critics. But in these studies of some of Korsakov's operas I have concerned myself only with certain aspects of them ... in the attempt to investigate the working of the composer's musical mind.' Essential reading for all students and lovers of Russian music.

Have you ever wondered: How it feels to be eponymous? Why some German pigeons were painted blue in the First World War? What connects Rachmaninoff to Chief Sitting Bull? It is 1972. Bernard Robins is in London – American, innocent, uninformed and arrogant – to make his name and fortune as a pianist, composer and conductor. He lives at the Kensington Music Society, a haven for aspiring musicians, including afro-headed violinists, cellists in caftans and coloraturas from Colorado. During his time there, Bernard accidentally encounters his long lost great-uncle, Hermann Heinrich Zweck, a nonagenarian – a once eminent, now forgotten composer, who has known most of the great musical figures of the Twentieth Century and hated almost all of them. Zweck is engaged in a war against stupidity, laziness and cowardice with the entire world, and especially with Bernard and Charles Forsythe – a hapless English musicologist whose only crime, (grievous in Zweck's view) is to be both English and an academic. The romantic relationships the three principals have with strong women, ranging from promiscuity to endless love, change the lives of all concerned. Throughout the novel, Zweck engages in a battle of words with the author in a series of interruptions and monologues. Comically written by an author skilled in both writing and music, Zweck is an accessible and hilarious novel about fame, identity, music and dumplings.

A group of resourceful kids start "solution-seekers.com," a website where "cybervisitors" can get answers to questions that trouble them. But when one questioner asks the true meaning of Christmas, the kids seek to unravel the mystery by journeying back through the prophecies of the Old Testament. What they find is a series of "S" words that reveal a "spectacular story!" With creative characters, humorous dialogue and great music, The "S" Files is a children's Christmas musical your kids will love performing.

Gerald Abraham's reputation as an authority on Russian music has tended to obscure his deep interest in the music of Poland and Czechoslovakia and in the music of the nineteenth-century generally. From a lifetime's devoted scholarship in these fields the author has now selected his best work to make up a volume of exceptional breadth and fascination. The subjects range from the relationship of Slavonic music to the western world to detailed essays on figures such as Chopin, Dvorak, Rubinstein and Mussorgsky. There are two new unpulished essays. A study of realism in Janacek's operas contains a particularly fine analysis of 'From the House of the Dead' and there is an account of the fantastic 'erotic diary' for piano in which Fibich, one of the best, recorded the secrets of his love affair with Anezka Schulzova. This book is welcomed as much by specialists in the field as by the general reader.

Gerald Abraham's reputation as an authority on Russian music has tended to obscure his deep interest in the music of Poland and Czechoslovakia, and of the nineteenth-century generally. From a lifetime's devoted scholarship in these fields Abrahams selected his best work to make up this volume (first published in 1968), one of exceptional breadth and fascination. The subjects range from the relationship of Slavonic music to the western world, to detailed essays on figures such as Chopin, Dvorak, Rubinstein and Mussorgsky. A study of realism in Janacek's operas contains a particularly fine analysis of From a House of the Dead and there is an account of the fantastic 'erotic diary' for piano in which Zdenek Fibich, one of the finest nineteenth-century Czech symphonists, recorded the secrets of his love affair with former student and librettist Aneka Schulzova. Gerald Abraham (1904-1988) was a distinguished musicologist, among his official posts those of Professor of Music at the University of Liverpool and Assistant Controller of Music at the BBC.

Songwriters Speak gives a unique insight into the lives of some of the world's best-known songwriters. The first collection of in-depth interviews with the creative powerhouses hailing from Australian and New Zealand, the book was critically acclaimed on its release in 2005. It became a sought-after reference work for other music writers and serious fans wanting to go deep into the stories of how artists worked, thought and felt. For several years Songwriters Speak was out of print, yet still in demand, until Sydney-based boutique publishing label Bouley Bay Books partnered with author Debbie Kruger to bring this "buried treasure" of music writing back into circulation in 2023. In the intervening time, eight of the songwriters interviewed have died and the music industry has changed dramatically. As Debbie writes in her new Foreword, the conversations she had for the book "stand as meaningful historical testaments to the times they were conducted and unique perspectives on what came before and what was to come later." This book gets inside the hearts and minds of some of our greatest musical poets and asks questions about how inspiration is sparked, whether songwriters are born or made, and where, ultimately, songs come from. In candid face-to-face interviews, these tunesmiths discuss their successful careers, share thoughts on tapping into the creative source and tell the stories behind classic songs including "Friday on My Mind", "The Real Thing", "Eagle Rock", "Khe Sanh", "Deep Water", "Hopelessly Devoted To You", "What's Love Got To Do With It", "Down Under", "Age of Reason", "Beds Are Burning", and "Truly Madly Deeply". Songwriters Speak features conversations with Harry Vanda & George Young, Ross Wilson, John Williamson, Glenn Shorrock, Richard Clapton, Tim Finn, Steve Kipner, Neil Finn, Nick Cave, Christina Amphlett, Paul Kelly, Deborah Conway, Archie Roach, Daniel Johns, Kasey Chambers and many more. Included are key members from legendary bands The Seekers, The Twilights, Masters Apprentices, Axiom, Sherbet, Little River Band, Cold Chisel, Dragon, Sports, Midnight Oil, Mental As Anything, Australian Crawl, Icehouse, INXS, Men At Work, Hunters & Collectors and Savage Garden. Songwriters interviewed are also the masterminds behind hits for Slim Dusty, John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, John Paul Young, Cliff Richard, Tina Turner, Chicago, Robert Palmer, Christina Aguilera, Lenny Kravitz and other international performers.

"Transcriptions are an act of love. With these wonderful recordings Alan Weiss, with his brilliant artistry as well as extraordinary pianism, reveals the genre's endless possibilities." Martha Argerich "I'm looking forward to the publication of your transcriptions. I'm sure this will be a hit." Nelson Freire "Transcriptions of Alan Weiss are results of high culture, sophisticated knowledge and deep understanding of the nature of the piano and unique vision of a great artist." Sergei Babayan "Bach's birthday is even more special because of your violin sonata transcription." David Dubal When we first heard the piano transcriptions of Alan Weiss we had the impression of listening to the purest representation of the "Golden Age" of the great pianists from the past. All the flexibility and freedom of phrasing heard in historic performances by masters such as Sergei Rachmaninoff, Josef Lhevinne, Josef Hofmann, Alfred Cortot, Benno Moiseiwitsch, Rudolf Serkin and of course Vladimir Horowitz were alive right there in front of us. Not just because of the unique style and golden sonority of Weiss's playing, but especially due to the profound manner with which these transcriptions were conceived and written - a revival of the great tradition of those giants of the piano! Those of Liszt, Tausig, Busoni, Godowsky and Horowitz were not just mere virtuoso adaptations, but wonderful re-creations; in fact it was about a truly new set of compositions that brought into the piano's domain works originally written for guitar, violin, choir etc. The primordial essence of these originals was not only respected, but, we must say: it was honored and transcended! And we believe that Alan Weiss has joined this illustrious group in his own personal way: a real treasure from the beginning until the end that we feel as a duty to share with the world. The Uana - Association for the Arts

The Jazz Book of Two Lifetimes NEA Jazz Master saxophonist Dave Liebman and pianist Richie Beirach have enjoyed a fifty-year friendship on and off the bandstand. They've performed with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and their own bands. Ruminations and Reflections takes readers on a rollicking journey through their musical lives. Along the way, they share their views on jazz education, prominent musicians, and musical preparation. Liebman and Beirach pay tribute to their musical mentors, tour their discography, and suggest essential recordings to study. The book's conversational style will delight students, professionals, and music lovers alike. "We really don't have an exact name for musicians like Dave and Richie. Across decades of recordings and concerts, their aspirations obliterate the definitions of any single genre. This volume reveals the deep insight and wisdom required to resolve their shared quest for meaning in music. Both are master players who continue to strive for what goes beyond and what lies beneath. Reading their words and following their stories in this wonderful book affirms the feeling that they share on the bandstand as one of the great long-term partnerships in this music." - Pat Metheny A masterclass in the art and skill of jazz Ruminations and Reflections is more than just a jazz biography, it is a masterclass in how to improvise, jazz theory, how to listen to jazz, and the business of being a musician in today's world. Never shy, these two friends share fascinating and revealing stories of growing into their musical selves, late night hangs with legendary musicians, and the jazz life. Known for their virtuosity and playing free, Liebman and Beirach share their secrets for preparing for the ultimate exercise of musical improvisation. Both musicians use their deep devotion to classical music as a basis for improvisation, crossing genres and boundaries to create spontaneous and beautiful musical experiences. As veteran educators, Dave and Richie share their wisdom and life lessons to keep the legacy of jazz improvisation and free jazz alive. Jazz musicians and students will find value in their masterful analysis of duo playing, comping, and musical leadership. For fans of jazz masters and legends Ruminations and Reflections showcases never before told anecdotes and opinions about musical legends including, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Chick Corea, Lee Konitz, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis. Jazz fans will delight in the in-depth analysis of over twenty of this duo's best recordings, providing insight and history to this important discography. A journey through modern jazz history Jazz aficionados will enjoy the personal accounts of their formative years in Brooklyn, developing a passion for music that has lasted a lifetime. A road trip through Brooklyn and Manhattan sets the scene for reminiscences about the New York City jazz scene today and in days gone by. Jazz clubs like Birdland and the Village Vanguard come to life with tales of the musicians who played there. Ruminations and Reflections chronicles the intersection of jazz and rock and roll in the fertile early 1970's New York loft scene. Beirach and Liebman were pioneers in the jazz fusion era and recount tours, jam sessions, and recordings with their bands Lookout Farm and Quest. They continue to marvel audiences in any musical setting. Along their journey, Liebman and Beirach have created a legacy of excellence and dedication to fans, fellow musicians, and the music. This book is a celebration of musical lives well-lived and a gift to us all.

From the Nickolas Barris film soundtrack, recorded by Joshua Bell and Marija Stroke. Einstein's dedication to the violin and his particular love for the music of Mozart and Bach, are portrayed in the film “Einstein's Light”. Contents: 1. Einstein's Light:

(Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook). This matching folio to crooner Michael Feinstein's 2003 Concord Records release celebrates the songs of the great Jimmy Webb. It's been hailed as one of Feinstein's finest! Includes 15 tunes: Adios * After All the Loves (MacArthur Park) * All I Know * Belmont Avenue * Didn't We * Louisa Blu * Piano * Skywriter * Time Flies * Up, Up and Away * and more!

This volume is devoted especially to themes of justice, peace, wonder, compassion and love. Included are brief personal explanations about what inspired each song, a few comments about writing songs, and the presentation of the music in a format that is accessible, readable and sing-able for a variety of folk musicians, singers and song leaders. To that end, the scores prepared here are simply melodies with chords. They are not fully arranged for piano or four-part harmony (though a few of these songs have been more fully arranged and are available elsewhere.) We have left the music here open to individual interpretation, creativity and unique skill sets.

A group of resourceful kids start "solution-seekers.com," a website where "cybervisitors" can get answers to questions that trouble them. But when one questioner asks the true meaning of Christmas, the kids seek to unravel the mystery by journeying back through the prophecies of the Old Testament. What they find is a series of "S" words that reveal a "spectacular story!" With creative characters, humorous dialogue and great music, The "S" Files is a children's Christmas musical your kids will love performing.

In Strong on Music Vera Brodsky Lawrence uses the diaries of lawyer and music lover George Templeton Strong as a jumping-off point from which to explore every aspect of New York City's musical life in the mid-nineteenth century. This third and final volume ranges across opera, orchestral and chamber music, blackface minstrels, military bands, church choirs, and even concert saloons. Among the many striking scenes vividly portrayed in Repercussions are the rapturous reception of Verdi's Ballo in maschera in 1861; the impact of the Civil War on New York's music scene, from theaters closing as their musicians enlisted to the performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at every possible occasion; and open-air concerts in the developing Central Park. Throughout, Lawrence mines a treasure trove of primary source materials including daily newspapers, memoirs, city directories, and architectural drawings. Indispensable for scholars, Repercussions will also fascinate music fans with its witty writing and detailed descriptions of the cultural life of America's first metropolis. Formerly a concert pianist, Vera Brodsky Lawrence spent the last third of her life as a historian of American music (she died in 1996). She was editor of The Piano Works of Louis Moreau Gottschalk and The Complete Works of Scott Joplin . On Volume 1: "A marvelous book. There is nothing like it in the literature of American music."—Harold C. Schonberg, New York Times Book Review On Volume 2: "A monumental achievement."—Victor Fell Yellin, Opera Quarterly

Premiered in 2018, the 90-minute opera Lessons in Love and Violence delves into the dark and turbulent events of Edward II's life and death. The opera unfolds as a taut slow-burning arch of seven tableaux. This work boasts particularly rich string textures and spectacular ensemble writing. The music's relationship to the drama is often unstable and seemingly very spontaneous, but beneath it all one senses a rigorous architecture, unflinchingly guiding the listener deeper and deeper into the opera's disquieting emotional world. This full score is a perfect accompaniment to the previously published vocal score and text.

(Lead Sheets: Melody line, lyrics and chord symbols). A singer/songwriter who blends elements of pop, rock & jazz, Margo Guryan's songs have been recorded by Cass Elliot, Glen Campbell, Jackie DeShannon, Carmen McRae and Astrud Gilberto, among others. Here are lyrics, music and chords for nearly 30 of her finest: Love * Love Songs * Shine * Sun * Sunday Morning * Take a Picture * Think of Rain * Timothy Gone * What Can I Give You * and more.

In this witty and highly irreverent book, Fritz Spiegl recounts a sparkling array of the most foolish, ridiculous and hilarious gaffes and blunders that have graced concert halls and musical gatherings the world over, along with a variety of the most peculiar and curious happenings that make the world of music and musicians so colourful. From Sir Thomas Beecham to Sir Georg Solti, and from hoaxes and jokes to misprints and mishaps, this lively and fascinating book is a must for all music lovers.--from Publisher's description.

This delightful opera bouffe tells the story of a lovelorn prince and his attempts to win the heart of a beautiful princess. Full of witty dialogue, catchy tunes, and hilarious pratfalls, this opera is a must-see for any lover of classical music and opera. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This is a libretto for the opera 'Germania' written by Alberto Franchetti. The opera premiered in 1902 and is set in 16th Century Germany during the peasant's revolt. The story follows the love story between an aristocrat and a peasant. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Tony Orlando says of Simply Put! "This book is a guide to love, family and friendship that gives insights from one man's lifelong search for love, acceptance and laughter." He goes on to say "Johnny Mathis, David Bowie, Neil Diamond, and Dion are but a few icons who have recorded his thoughts and feelings, and I'm proud to say "yours truly" as well." This humor filled pocket book is a compilation of poetry, lyrics and personal feelings from one of Rock and Roll's most prolific and legendary writers of the twentieth Century and today, Bob Feldman. You'll discover a spirited page turner filled with wise words from an Author, chart-topping Songwriter and Recording Artist with more than 50 million records sold. Bob's songs, with their heartfelt lyrics and melodies were born from his life experiences and relationships and have remained in the top 100 charts for 7 decades! Somewhere, someplace, sometime, anywhere in the world, a song written, produced, published or sung by Bob Feldman can be heard playing 24/7, 365 days of the year. This book helps put a face to the anthems that are embedded in our hearts. The familiarity that the reader feels comes from knowing the author through his omnipresent music with titles like "My Boyfriend's Back," "Hang On Sloopy," and "I Want Candy". His tunes have become part of the soundtrack of our lives from radio, television and film on 45's and 33's, 8 track's, cassettes, CD's, DVD's and more. Co-writer, consultant and confidante Craig-Strang Thompson says "Simply Put is a truthful, humorous, bittersweet, thought provoking collection of stories, poetry, and real feelings that will leave you wanting to know more about this fascinating and gifted man." Imagine if you will; sitting next to him as he recalls his stories first-hand. An original Wurlitzer Jukebox plays on with over one hundred songs bearing his name. Gold and platinum record awards and autographed photos from iconic recording artists who have recorded his songs surround you. Feldman reveals his most personal experiences with you. Tales which have previously been shared with only two other people in his lifetime: Tony Orlando, a friend for more than sixty years who encouraged him to write this book, and Dane Braden, who actually gave him the title. Take a brief, but thoroughly satisfying journey through the heart and mind of a sensitive storyteller with a self-deprecating sense of humor and none of the braggadocio befitting a rock and roll icon.

Elias Breeskin, not only a mesmerizing violinist, passionate composer and maestro but an excellent storyteller, recounts with fearless candor the advancements and struggles of his career. Universal recognition eluding him time after time, Breeskin entrances with his intimate confessions. His story follows him from the zeniths of music and love to the depths of great despair. He conveys the struggle to maintain his integrity despite his gambling addiction. From his childhood as a prodigy with unlimited musical horizons to becoming a refugee with a terrifying illness, the reader feels his joy and his agony. As a recipient of generous gifts from benefactors, he was unwilling to shirk the sacrifices and hard work required of an artist. His tale contains vignettes of his friendships with Fritz Kreisler, Caruso, prominent personages, and colorful characters of 1930's Hollywood and others from the 1940's and 50's in Mexico. One sympathizes with the unfair prison confinement at the dreaded Mexico island prison, Isla Marias, but marvels at the masterpiece composition produced there. The reader follows him to Russia, Washington, New York, Australia and back and finally onto Pittsburgh, Hollywood and Mexico City. Elias Breeskin's presence and talent radiates. He comes alive, once more, on these pages.