Brings to life a passionate poet-turned-musician and what compels him and his work.Why is it that Leonard Cohen receives the sort of reverence we reserve for a precious few living artists? Why are his songs; three or four decades after their original release; suddenly gracing the charts; blockbuster movie sound tracks; and television singing competitions? And why is it that while most of his contemporaries are either long dead or engaged in uninspired nostalgia tours; Cohen is at the peak of his powers and popularity?These are the questions at the heart of A Broken Hallelujah; a meditation on the singer; his music; and the ideas and beliefs at its core. Granted extraordinary access to Cohenrsquo;s personal papers; Liel Leibovitz examines the intricacies of the man whose performing career began with a crippling bout of stage fright; yet who; only a few years later; tamed a rowdy crowd on the Isle of Wight; preventing further violence; the artist who had gone from a successful world tour and a movie star girlfriend to a long residency in a remote Zen retreat; and the rare spiritual seeker for whom the principles of traditional Judaism; the tenets of Zen Buddhism; and the iconography of Christianity all align. The portrait that emerges is that of an artist attuned to notions of justice; lust; longing; loneliness; and redemption; and possessing the sort of voice and vision commonly reserved only for the prophets.More than just an account of Cohenrsquo;s life; A Broken Hallelujah is an intimate look at the artist that is as emotionally astute as it is philosophically observant. Delving into the sources and meaning of Cohenrsquo;s work; Leibovitz beautifully illuminates what Cohen is telling us and why we listen so intensely.
#4554056 in eBooks 2013-03-03 2013-10-06File Name: B00FOGG45U
Review
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Not just about painting.By Terri B.This book is terrific! The exercises are about painting but the content is applicable to any art or walk of life. Its about understanding creativity as a gift we all have. Creativity is not reserved for only a special few. Read the book and if you are not a painter apply the principles to any other art or activity.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. The Title of This Book Is MisleadingBy V. StewartThe title of this book is somewhat misleading. I was under the impression that it suggested ideas for incorporating a mistake into a creative piece; or perhaps disguising or covering it up; or working with it as a "happy accident." This is not the case. There are two basic premises of the book. The first is that it is OK to be self-taught; and not OK to be an art snob because one has a degree. I totally agree; being self-taught. The other parts of the book deal with the creative process: how it works; characteristics of creatives; how to get un-stuck; etc.The author suggests some of her own techniques; which I would not use. The thought of mixing ones own saliva with paint; slathering it onto a piece; and then selling it to someone; is off-putting. Sorry; it just grosses me out.Perhaps the title could be How Does the Creative Process Work? or Self-Taught Art vs. Formal Training or (ewwww) Painting with Saliva.If you want to learn how to deal with an art "mistake;" well buying this book would be a mistake.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Art of Mistakes - a KEEPER!!By sabknitsAbsolutely FABULOUS book! A few basic techniques; a few project examples; MUCH personal philosophy. We could be twins that were separated at birth. Excellent supportive message for all artists. I take this book to classes with me to share with friends and strangers. I highly recommend!