Constructing costumes requires a diverse set of skills to successfully create magic on the stage. Knowledge of sewing is vital; but Katherine Strand-Evans shows how much more is involved. She walks readers step by step through setting up and supplying a costume workshop; choosing fabrics; draping; drafting; and manipulating patterns; dyeing and fabric modification; and constructing accessories such as historical undergarments; hats and headdresses; shoes and footwear; masks and armor; jewelry and crowns; and; new to this edition; wigs (written by James McGough). Throughout; the author considers not only the creative aspects of executing costume designs; but also the limitations of budgets and time. Costume Construction opens doors for each reader to find his or her own path to becoming an effective costume technician.
#2918942 in eBooks 2002-08-23 2002-08-23File Name: B00MHAV2K8
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Incredible read for any musician or music loverBy avignonIt was difficult to put this book down. Mr. Fleisher is one of the most generous; kind teachers I have ever observed in master classes and I have observed some bullies. His wonderful personality shines through in this riveting account of his fascinating life. His personal observations of others in the music world and of specific piano works was very interesting. Especially interesting were descriptions of the teaching methods of Artur Schnabel; and personalities of fellow pianists like Kapell; Graffman; and young Barenboim; among others. He describes the Schubert B-flat Sonata as a "memory remembered"; and the 2nd movement as "time stops" keep it moving forward like rowing oar strokes. There are a few photos; including Artur Schanbel. He tastefully stays away from descriptions of his transgressions; but does include a juicy account of his (and his colleagues) fiery departure from Tanglewood and Seji Ozawas mindset at the time. His challenges with his diseased hand; his frank feelings of not having been the best father; and his departure from Tanglewood confirms to us that we live in an imperfect world. We just do the best we can. I felt a loss when I finished the book. I did not want to leave Leon; it is as though he has become your best friend. Read the book; it is time well spent. What a life well lived. Thank you Mr. Fleisher!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful book; by a great pianistBy PianistIn this book; Leon Fleisher tells his story; without hiding as far as I can tell his feelings about his marriages; and many famous musician friends. It is written in a way; that once you start reading; you cant put the book down. Having been very fortunate to have studied with him the piano in 1967; reading this book brought me back 45 years ago. I remembered what he had taught me during these lessons; the precious advice that could only be given by an artist of his calibre. Other than recounting his very interesting long life; in his book;Leon Fleisher gives a ton of tips and advice that should be precious for any concert pianist. It is very exciting to be invited to the thoughts of a great pianist who is after all separated from Beethoven by three teachers (Schnabel; Lechetizky; Czerny). As another great teacher of mine Ignace Tiegerman a Lechetizky pupil told me; After all I am sure that of all the things I am teaching you; some ideas are coming from Beethoven.14 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Witty and honestBy martbarFleishers inspirational story is beautifully told here. Full disclosure--I studied with Fleisher in monthly masterclasses for five years; so I was predisposed; perhaps; to finding this book interesting. But I believe the combination of his self-deprecating wit and Ann Midgettes presentation skills has resulted in a work of literary art that will be interesting to musician and non-musician alike. The Fleisher familys sacrifices for the young artist; the excitement of his early career; the frustration of a crippling hand condition that baffled the medical community; the ways Fleisher found to keep expressing the music inside him--all are compelling. His honesty in the story of three marriages and his sometimes lacking parenting skills is laudable. His anecdotes about interactions with famous people both musical and otherwise are plentiful and entertaining. While there is no false modesty here; his extraordinary intelligence and talent are obvious; and Midgette allows for the same intimate but pithy conversational style I remember from Fleisher in person. Of special interest to musicians are the brief "masterclasses" Fleisher writes on some of his favorite keyboard compositions. These are colorfully presented and not at all pedantic so nonmusicians might find their insight enjoyable--or can easily skip them as they wish. This book is a skillfully crafted true story of triumph over adversity and deserves a wide audience.
