Sergey Prokofiev was one of the twentieth centurys greatest composers--and one of its greatest mysteries. Until now. In The Peoples Artist; Simon Morrison draws on groundbreaking research to illuminate the life of this major composer; deftly analyzing Prokofievs music in light of new archival discoveries. Indeed; Morrison was the first scholar to gain access to the composers sealed files in the Russian State Archives; where he uncovered a wealth of previously unknown scores; writings; correspondence; and unopened journals and diaries. The story he found in these documents is one of lofty hopes and disillusionment; of personal and creative upheavals. Morrison shows that Prokofiev seemed to thrive on uncertainty during his Paris years; stashing scores in suitcases; and ultimately stunning his fellow emigr?s by returning to Stalins Russia. At first; Stalins regime treated him as a celebrity; but Morrison details how the bureaucratic machine ground him down with corrections and censorship (forcing rewrites of such major works as Romeo and Juliet); until it finally censured him in 1948; ending his career and breaking his health.
#398984 in eBooks 1958-01-01 1958-05-31File Name: B004JMZMIAPDF # 1
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Great. little-known. American authorBy TorsoGreat stories by a little-known American author. He won AND turned-down the Pulitzer because he didnt think business should be a patron of the arts. Back to the stories... "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze" is the most famous. but my favorite is "Tracys Tiger". a quirky stort written with a unique perspective of the world. This author deserves far more recognition than he has received.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I have always enjoyed reading anything by William SaroyanBy tigeTremendous literary work by one of our national treasures. I have always enjoyed reading anything by William Saroyan.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. The William Saroyan ReaderBy CustomerI cant understand why Saroyan is not more highly regarded. His forthwright. simple and honest style is as important as to American literature as Hemingway or Bukowski (IMO). Give it a try...
