As the Soviet Unions foremost composer; Shostakovichs status in the West has always been problematic. Regarded by some as a collaborator; and by others as a symbol of moral resistance; both he and his music met with approval and condemnation in equal measure. The demise of the Communist state has; if anything; been accompanied by a bolstering of his reputation; but critical engagement with his multi-faceted achievements has been patchy. This Companion offers a new starting point and a guide for readers who seek a fuller understanding of Shostakovichs place in the history of music. Bringing together an international team of scholars; the book brings up-to-date research to bear on the full range of Shostakovichs musical output; addressing scholars; students and all those interested in this complex; iconic figure.
#1357685 in eBooks 2000-05-02 2012-08-03File Name: B009R6HE8O
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Waterfalls and MusicBy Gerlean TerrellThis book is one of several Ive read (ordered) about Phil Spector. I remember being intrigued by his music as a very young child. I am a 62 year young black female.(dont act like youre not surprised)! His musical arrangements really are amazing and unique. As I read the book I pulled up some of his music on "youtube" and its still an amazing sound!! Never knew he "wrote" and produced so many popular songs and artists. His music is reminiscent of the sound of a waterfall. instead of hearing the roar of water you hear a roar of music (blended instruments). Some kind of genius for sure.He must be really "different" but reading the book(s) he was many different things to many different people and I believe it all to be "their" truths. Who knows why any of us are the way we are. His life ended up in a sad fate. Perhaps we should all try to learn to differentiate between what is "weird" and what "insanity" really is. God bless Ms Lana Clarks soul. What a tragedy for her and what a wasteful shame for him.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Best Spector music biographyBy Victor EdmondsIf you buy this August 2012 edition what actually downloads is the 2000 edition. defined in the introduction as the 1989 edition with "29 textual emendations." But that turns out to be an advantage. Written well before Spectors murder trial it indirectly explains why so many people. including a jury. could believe he was guilty of murder despite the evidence to the contrary.The book does a great job of being about the person and about the music. It follows his recording career showing how the events in his life influence the music. In fact it is amazing that he did the creative work he did with his personal life being so problematic. The picture emerges of an angry controlling troubled man in an industry dominated by stupidity and petty jealousy. Not a pretty picture. but a fascinating one. The long book zips along. I found it hard to put down. I bought the Essential Phil Spector CD set so I could listen to the records I was reading about. I had a great time.This is the book that is on the lawyers desk in the HBO Phil Spector movie.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Better than most of its kindBy S. E. MorrisI have been a student of Phil Spector since I was a boy.some fifty plus years ago. I wanted to know his secrets.what he saw as important in a production. how he achievedhis unique sound. I wanted to know where the songs camefrom and why they were written.This book revealed more about Phils process than anyother book Ive read. This book ranks as my first choice.I had no desire to explore the tragic Lana Clarkson murder.
