Nothing could be more spontaneous and ebullient than Chopins letters. mdash; Books"Perhaps no composers letters are so kindred to his music; and reminiscent of the impression produced by it; as Chopins are." mdash; The New York TimesThis superbly edited selection of nearly 300 of Chopins letters; the first to be published in English; vividly reveals the composer as man and artist; and evokes the remarkable age mdash; Europe of the 1830s and 1840s mdash; he shared with an equally remarkable cast of characters; from Jenny Lind to Isabella II of Spain; from Queen Victoria to George Sand; from Heinrich Heine to Victor Hugo.The tone of the letters is exuberantly engaging: "They abound in delightful gossip; they are merry rather than malicious; they are engagingly witty; and at times their humor becomes positively Rabelaisian" (Peter Bowdoin; Books). Their contents offer rare glimpses into Chopins childhood environment; his mind and character; his tragic love for George Sand; the origins of many of his compositions; the various musical influences that shaped his creative ideas and habits; and the artistic circles in which he moved.Originally collected by the Polish musicologist Henryk Opienski; the letters have been translated and annotated by Chopin scholar E. L. Voynich. Students and admirers of Chopin will find in their pages vast resources to deepen their love and appreciation for mdash; and wonderment at mdash; the unique individuality and achievement of this great musical personality.
#574790 in eBooks 2013-06-03 2013-05-06File Name: B00COGXUKK
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. So Glad I got This!By ArleenThese Guys are the Greatest; their music makes me happy; inspires my world and colors all of my Art work with bright colors. I am artist and it brings lots of life to my work. This book of theirs; brings them that much closer and more real to those of us who admire their struggle and their daring to give their very best. It was a quick read and most enjoyable and now I know them a little better. Thanks Guys. .Com; many thanks for handling the way that I can order thru you and Your Services. The people that you have in your network; are top knotch. Very Professional and very dependable. Store Shopping...just doesnt get it for me. Many thanks; I am very pleased.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. IL DIVO: Our Misic; Our Journey; Our Words (review)By John M. GibbensMy husband and I were caught by surprise with these very talented young men: their music; their voices; their personalities; their love for and rapor with their fans. We have five or six cds and as many dvds and play the over and over again. We never tire of their vioces. This book gives a wonderful insight to their personal lives; as well as their life together as a group - as "brothers". My favorite story is one by Carlos (the one from Spain) telling about the surprise Cinderella wedding he planned for his bride at Disney. If you love IL DIVO you will definitely want to get this book. Its well worth the money. Dianne Gibbens; Louisiana1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A smashing beginningBy AncoraPrepare to be hooked. I first heard about Il Divo around five months ago; and was immediately hooked myself after seeing their performance of Amazing Grace on YouTube. I first bought their latest album; "The Promise;" blissfully unaware; and was blown away. Finally; I thought; a near perfect combination of class and modern music.It was interesting to jump from their latest album to their first album. "Il Divo" offers a pleasing mix of flavors; yet you can tell that they are just getting comfortable singing as an ensemble. The harmony parts at times fight with each other (all part of the adjustment); but you soon forget that as you listen to the music they offer.Opening with Regres A Mi; a strong song that builds marvelously to the climax; the singers command attention and interest; yet at the same time they do not seem to shout their feelings at you. (Which I greatly appreciated.) You can really hear all the thought and hard work that goes into their phrasing all throughout the album.-Mama is touching without becoming overly sweet or tacky.-Nella Fantasia flows like water and really showcases their immaculate vibrato.-Passera offers a sweet and slightly playful song that is one of my favorites from the album.-Unchained Melody is beautiful; but they take their time building to the climax; which I felt could have used some more movement in the lyrics (it drags a bit in my opinion).-Every Time I Look At You is sufficiently tender and loving; with particularly nice phrasing. One of the last lines always makes me chuckle ("...please turn out the light...") but they make it work.-Ti Amero is great song; offering a break from the sweeping orchestra parts to a more shaped melody and simplistic accompaniment. Very fun to listen to. I particularly like the way the vocal parts play off one another.-Dentro Un Altro Si starts of weightlessly and pretty much stays that way.-The Man You Love nicely blends Spanish and English. Easy to listen to; with robust harmony.-Feelings--when I saw they were singing this my initial thought was; what next? I Think I Love You by the Partridge Family sung in Italian? I have to say; though; its a tastefully done arrangement. You dont get too much of a saccharine feel when you listen to it.-Hoy Que Ya No Estas Aqui builds gradually up to passionate; bordering on frantic; really. A good job getting into the song.-Sei Parte Ormai Di Me is another of my favorites. Great expression; and nice arrangement of the accompaniment. A song with definite direction.-A Mi Manera--what can I say? Who doesnt love Sinatra? A spot-on performance!Overall 4-1/2 out of 5 stars.