The second volume in Alan Walkers magisterial biography of Franz Liszt."You cant help but keep turning the pages; wondering how it will all turn out: and Walkers accumulated readings of Liszts music have to be taken seriously indeed."-D. Kern Holoman; New York Review of Books"A conscientious scholar passionate about his subject. Mr. Walker makes the man and his age come to life. These three volumes will be the definitive work to which all subsequent Liszt biographies will aspire."-Harold C. Schonberg; Wall Street Journal"What distinguishes Walker from Liszts dozens of earlier biographers is that he is equally strong on the music and the life. A formidable musicologist with a lively polemical style; he discusses the composers works with greater understanding and clarity than any previous biographer. And whereas many have recycled the same erroneous; often damaging information; Walker has relied on his own prodigious; globe-trotting research; a project spanning twenty-five years. The result is a textured portrait of Liszt and his times without rival."-Elliot Ravetz; Time"The prose is so lively that the reader is often swept along by the narrative. . . . This three-part work . . . is now the definitive work on Liszt in English and belongs in all music collections."-Library Journal
2011-11-16 2013-02-27File Name: B00BKGRCJK
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Good Book on InstrumentsBy Liam CA good book for quick checks and info on a lot of instruments; ranges; and techniques. Its important to note that this isnt a book on how to orchestrate music like some of the previous reviewers expected. The book itself is organized well; but its not an all-answers book on every instrument. It does; however provide good info on all instruments like their range (possible and practical); info on the instrument itself and variations if applicable; dynamic contours; and their sounding range written in concert pitch. As a Horn player and composer/arranger/orchestrator; its a good tool for checking information on instruments and freshening up on instrument-specific techniques.11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Everyone should have this book!!By Bill TarmanId give it ten stars! Anyone interested in writing; arranging; composing; orchestrating; or just a curious musician should own a copy of this book.It covers over 150 instruments giving the general/practical range as written and transposed; plus it gives the tonal/dynamic qualities of each register and where they might be used (e.g.each string on stringed instruments; chalumeau/throat/clarino on clarinet). It covers general information about each instrument (construction; special attachments; general considerations).It covers technical considerations with specific characteristics for each instrument to help you avoid writing something a player would consider stupid (e.g. low B-Bb slide positions on trombone; low C-Db trill on flute). It also has scoring hints for each and within their families.It covers all sorts of articulations/mutes/effects etc; what they sound like; where to use them and how to write them (e.g. velvotone mute/doit articulation for trumpet; flutter tonguing on flute; string technics). Also; there is information on harmonics for stringed instruments and pedal tones for trombones; french horns et al.It has an amazing section on percussion instruments. Composers have always looked like idiots to a percussionist because they hadnt the slightest idea how to write for them. You will know how if you use the info in this book (and be admired by the battery).In short; if this book sold for $200; it would be worth it. At $100 it would be a bargain. BUT at 6 bucks; why havent you bought it already??p.s. while a bit confusing a first to find an instrument; however; with about five minutes of use you will understand the reasons for the arrangement of material in the book by families (you would not want a coronet at the front and trumpet at the back of a book). The table of contents explains it. Plus there is an alphabetical listing of instruments with page #s at the back of the book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Definitely makes for a better understanding of instruments whether you do orchestral or concert ...By ChoristerWould not be without this concise guide. My copy is annotated with the suggestions and valuable comments of the musicians who play my scores. Definitely makes for a better understanding of instruments whether you do orchestral or concert band works or arrangements. And it fits in my pocket.