Books
Shostakovich in France (Boydell Press)
An original and perceptive account of the reception of Shostakovich’s music in France [DHa]
Feldman in Love: A novel
A novel about Morton Feldman? Why not? [DHa]
Poulenc. The Life in the Songs (Liveright)
An infectiously enthusiastic journey through Poulenc’s songs, which brings the composer to life [ACG]
The Republic of Love. Opera and Political Freedom (Oxford University Press)
A philosopher takes a thought-provoking and timely look at opera [DHa]
Music at World’s End (SUNY Press)
A brilliantly written story of exile and influence [DHa]
Defending the Music (Oxford University Press)
An absorbing book which will entertain and enlighten you on page after page [JQ]
Bellini: (Oxford University Press)
Powered by the latest scholarship, a readable and illuminating overview of the career of Vincenzo Bellini [DHa]
Káťa Kabanová and The Cunning Little Vixen: Janáček’s new lease of life (Moravské Zemské Muzeum)
The first two great operas from Janáček’s final decade explored with generosity and detail [JW]
Fate and The Excursions of Mr Brouček (Moravské Zemské Muzeum)
The second of four memorable volumes surveys Janáček two problem operas with profuse documentation and historiographic clarity [JW]
Higginson: Theme and Eight Variations for Solo Piano (Fand Music Press)
A very rewarding addition to the English piano repertoire [DJ]
The Story of Janáček’s Jenůfa (Moravské Zemské Muzeum)
A comprehensive, beautifully assembled and illustrated history of the genesis and first performances of one of the most performed operas in the world [JW]
Janáček’s Sinfonietta: Nigel Simeone & Jiří Zahrádka (Boydell Press)
A fascinating and highly informative guide to one of Janáček’s most famous works [DHa]
My Other Family. The London Philharmonic Orchestra
A unique, absorbing behind-the-scenes look at a top professional orchestra [JQ]
Music’s Odyssey. An Invitation to Western Classical Music (Allen Lane)
A monumental, profoundly valuable book [DHa]
The San Carlo Opera House, Naples (1943-46) (ARS Recorded Editions)
Let’s Make an Opera: The British Army and the Teatro San Carlo [PH]
So Written to After-Times John McCabe – A Life in Letters (Forsyth Brothers Ltd)
A fine addition to our knowledge of a significant musician, and to the spirit and culture of his profession [RWe]
Wilfred Heaton: His Life – His Music (PHM Publishing & Production)
Essential for enthusiasts of British brass band music [JF]
Youri Egorov: Diary, or the secret notes (Private Release)
A fascinating snap-shot of an artist’s personality [SG]
Endless Fascination: The life and work of Thomas Pitfield (Forsyth Brothers)
A fitting tribute to a remarkable polymath [JF]
Sun Forest Lake (Candle Row Press)
A perceptive study of Sibelius and his key orchestral works [JQ]
So Written to After-Times: John McCabe – A Life in Letters (Forsyth Brothers Limited)
Reflective, informative and sometimes humorous [JF]
Format Friction: Perspectives on the Shellac Disc (University of Chicago Press)
A Sebaldian reflection, marred by trendy iconoclasm, on the global phenomenon of the gramophone and its listeners [NC]
Three Choirs Festival in Ten Concerts (Logaston Press)
A lively and perceptive introduction to the world’s oldest music festival [JQ]
Leo Sowerby (University of Illinois Press)
This first class study is an absorbing read and well worth tracking down [SG]
