Derek Watson Libros

This work is a collection of musical insights, incorporating critical remarks and biographical sketches. It is arranged in 14 sections with more than 200 topic categories and 2500 quotations.

Franz Liszt lived as he composed -- on the grand scale -- the quintessential, flamboyant romantic. Born in Hungary in 1811 to poor farm parents, he received his onyl education from his father who was a well-known amateur musician. Although a virtuous at age 13, he was tormented by his lack of formal education. Denied entrance to the Paris Conservatory because of his young age, he surrounded himself with the most celebrated men of letters and music of his time. This impressive volume encompasses Franz Liszt's entire legendary career -- the virtuous tours, the composition of piano works and transcriptions which revolutionized the instrument, the period as conductor at Weimar, and the creation of brilliant new forms of orchestral and choral music. -- From publisher's description

Presents an in-depth profile of the controversial German composer Richard Wagner, with a particular focus on his personal life, based on intensive research into the private papers of the Wagner family archives. His life fascinates - and obsesses - more people than that of any other composer in history. Adolf Hitler idolized him. Friedrich Nietzsche grew to loathe him. Thousands of articles and books try to explain the complex, charismatic genius who changed the face of music forever. But who was Richard Wagner? In this superb new biography, Derek Watson strips away the clouds of confusion and myth, the adoration and the hatred, that surround this remarkable life."The most authoritative biography to date . . . the most complete data, based on the largest number of primary sources. . . . lively, interesting reading . . . indispensable." - Choice “A sympathetic, but coolheaded and thoroughly realistic appraisal of the monstrous genius, his times, his friends, his passions and his phobias.” – Classical Music