Who does not ponder what inspires creativity? Why does one person excel as a doctor; another as an artist; and yet a third as a composer? Why do some fortunate people seem overly endowed with an abundance of creativitymdash;this most precious of giftsmdash;and others with little or none at all? Can creative inspiration be nurtured slowly and; suddenly; spring forth to mesmerize and enchant the world?In the words of Emanuel Ax; we are given ldquo;fascinating glimpses into the innermost thoughts of some of our greatest composersrdquo; in this series of intimate and deeply felt conversations between Arthur Abell and Brahms; Puccini; Strauss; Humperdinck; Bruch; and Grieg. And through these revelations; one can understand with greater clarity the essence of genius.In its entirety; the book is a paean to both the musical world and to those few who achieved greatness during the latter part of the 19th century and the early years of the 20th century. We cannot fail to be deeply impressed by the intense outpouring of emotion demanded by great creative endeavor. And here; nothing is spared. We are privy to the highs and lowsmdash;the great triumphs and the wrenching failures.Talks with Great Composers brings to life the thoughts; fears; self-doubt; inherent religiosity; and the unparalleled joys that; by the end of the book; we come to appreciate must accompany all of lifersquo;s greatest challenges and accomplishments.
#1230356 in eBooks 2016-02-15 2016-02-15File Name: B01BNLWR28
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great Book of Temple TexasBy Jimmie A. ChristieThis book provided much detail into the early days of Temple; Texas. I spend many months searching for such a document. It did a great review of the life and times in this most noted town in Central Texas. If you were born in Temple or spent your early childhood here; this book will give you a lot if information. Highly recommend it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting CollectionBy JWThis publication was what I was expecting; a pictorial review of the Temple; Texas of the past. Its a good addition to the genealogical information for that part of the family that came from this area.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Mike Passed Away March 20; 2013By VivaldiMike passed away in his iron lung during the night on March 20; 2013. Most of the world did not know that Mike was among those of us who survived Polio as children; many of us were in iron lungs; and went on to use ventilators; and some recovered; facing post-polio syndrome later in life.Coincidentally; we came to know one another through our respiratory therapists; who is one of the only three Ive ever known who knew how to help those of us with neuromuscular insufficency affecting the diaphragm. So; Mike and I shared our lineage across the Texas highways about 300 miles apart.Many polio survivors had loving;caring families without which they could not survive. Others did not; but today youn people have more help and understanding from society; have physical therapy and other supportive programs. For that; we must be not only relieved; but work to see that it continues because no one is literally disabled; each has a gift and Mike shared his.Mike was a talented; determined person who cared about his community; had a loving family and never stopped using his gifts of writing; designing; and communicating. The link to his obituary follows:[...]
