Customer Reviews

Fritz Kreisler : Love's Sorrow, Love's Joy

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A very fine biography of the life and the times of Fritz Kreisler, a violinist and a composer, perhaps the last composer violinist in our times. And not only
does this book go into the artistic life of Kreisler, but also the times in which he lived. It was end of the era of the Austria-Hungarian Empire, a strange conglomeration of political and military patchwork, and a place that has been romanticized way beyond the facts showing its deep faults. But Kreisler was an
outstanding violinist, although he did not command the technique that was established by Heifetz, and is now part of the standards for aspiring violinists.
Once those standards are seen as possible, then all young fiddlers realize they must make use of them. But Kreisler was a composer, with splendid little compositions, albeit he was a very modest man. He served as an officer in the Austrian army during WWI and there were many who held that against him when he resumed his musical career. And then there is his relationship with the Nazi government, a regime that he did not respect or support in any way.
This book is very well written and is certainly a very good read. Hurray!!!

It's a very comprehensive book which makes you feel that you can almost take Kreisler's pulse through the important parts of his life.

It really characterizes kreisler well and thoroughly and mentions in adequate detail about his wife and others.

What bothered me was that many points were repeated too many times. It seemed like the same commentary was made about merely different sets of quotations.

Overall and absolutely excellent and must read book.

The US dealer of my purchase, friendsoftopekashawneecountry, delivers only in the USA. Fortunately I have relatives in the USA and the parcel arrived there in good condition. It was sent by US postal services to my address in Holland, from Baltimore MD to New York and from NY to Abu Dhabi!! I keep you posted as to it will ever arrive in Holland!

Sincerely, Tijn Vellekoop, Gouda, Holland