Jan Swafford Livres

From an early age, Wolfgang Mozart's unique imagination was evident in every aspect of his life. He detested boredom and idleness, responding with a mix of mental and physical activities. Whether in his outrageous humor or not, Mozart was always entertaining. He approached life, especially his social interactions, with immense enthusiasm, forming a diverse circle of friends and patrons who fed his insatiable appetite for music and enjoyment. Known as an inexplicable force of nature, he could seamlessly transition from a brilliant improvisation at the piano to leaping over furniture. Always drumming, tapping, and chatting, he possessed a profound ability to connect, often revealing a deeper, melancholic side through his searching blue eyes. Even in company, there was a sense that he was not entirely present, as if he lived both onstage and off, observing life’s tragicomedy while gathering inspiration for his art. This biography offers a thorough exploration of a genius whose influence on classical music is immeasurable, revealing that understanding the origins and evolution of classical music, as well as the Baroque period, is impossible without examining Mozart himself.

The biography explores the life of Charles Ives, starting in his hometown of Danbury, Connecticut, and continuing through his education at Yale and his dual career in New York as a composer and insurance executive. Ives is portrayed as a talented and innovative musician, characterized by his precociousness and a dynamic approach to art and life, reminiscent of great American innovators like Edison and the Wright brothers.

Written in the style of a true Victorian melodrama: sex, suicide, madness, betrayal and triumph, Jan Swafford's biography not only reveals Brahms as a man of appalling and brilliant contradictions, but opens a window on an era of cultural absoluteness, an era when music mattered to everyone.

From an early age, Wolfgang Mozart's unique imagination was evident in every aspect of his life. He despised boredom and idleness, responding with a variety of mental and physical antidotes. Whether in his outrageous humor or serious moments, Mozart was always vibrant. He approached life, especially his social interactions, with remarkable enthusiasm. His wide circle of friends and patrons reflected his insatiable appetite for music and enjoyment. Known as an inexplicable force, he could seamlessly transition from a brilliant piano improvisation to exuberantly leaping over furniture. Mozart was often seen drumming on surfaces, tapping his feet, and engaging in lively chatter, yet he also possessed a profound, searching gaze that conveyed deep emotion. Even in social settings, he sometimes seemed distant, as if he lived both onstage and off, observing and gathering inspiration for his art. This biography offers a comprehensive exploration of Mozart's life, revealing the man behind the genius who would influence classical music for centuries. Understanding his contributions is essential to grasping the origins and evolution of classical music and the Baroque period.

The most readable and comprehensive guide to enjoying over five hundred years of classical music -- from Gregorian chants, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Johannes Brahms, Igor Stravinsky, John Cage, and beyond.The Vintage Guide to Classical Music is a lively -- and opinionated -- musical history and an insider's key to the personalities, epochs, and genres of the Western classical tradition. Among its -- chronologically arranged essays on nearly 100 composers, from Guillaume de Machaut (ca. 1300-1377) to Aaron Copland (1900-1990), that combine biography with detailed analyses of the major works while assessing their role in the social, cultural, and political climate of their times;-- informative sidebars that clarify broader topics such as melody, polyphony, atonality, and the impact of the early-music movement;-- a glossary of musical terms, from a cappella to woodwinds;-- a step-by-step guide to building a great classical music library.Written with wit and a clarity that both musical experts and beginners can appreciate, The Vintage Guide to Classical Music is an invaluable source-book for music lovers everywhere.

Jan Swafford's biographies of composers Charles Ives and Johannes Brahms have established him as a revered music historian, capable of bringing his subjects vibrantly to life.