Lillian Fuchs: First Lady of the Viola [Paperback]

Amedee Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 23, 2004

Throughout her long and illustrious career, Lillian Fuchs was lauded as one of the first great American violists. This penetrating study of Ms. Fuchs's professional life as a performer, teacher, composer, arranger, and chamber music coach offers a fascinating view of this remarkable personality. whose professional life influenced countless musicians. Based upon conversations with Ms. Fuchs and members of her family, interviews with former students and colleagues, and concert reviews, Lillian Fuchs: First Lady of the Viola draws together oral and written information to create a biographical portrait that also sheds light on the history of American music in the twentieth century-a time when talented women had to struggle fiercely to survive in the face of male domination of the music profession.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The writing of this book took place over the course of several years when the author was studying the viola with Lillian Fuchs. His weekly conversations provided a wealth of anecdotal stories, many of them publicly shared here, with Ms. Fuchs?s consent, for the first time.Amedee Daryl Williams, violist, has performed throughout the United Sates and Canada in solo, chamber, and orchestral roles. He holds the MA degree in music performance from the Mannes College of Music and the MBA in finance from Lubin School of Business at Pace University. In addition to performing, teaching, and conducting, he also serves as president of the William Lincer Foundation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.; Rev edition (February 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595309577
• ISBN-13: 978-0595309573
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Biography of a great artist, June 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Lillian Fuchs, First Lady of the Viola (Studies in the History and Interpretation of Music) (Hardcover)

Lillian Fuchs was not only a fine violist, but was a great teacher and mentor to many, many musicians. In this book the author, who clearly admires and loves his subject, unearths many details about her life, her approach to her instrument and her teaching philosophy.

Unfortunately the book is rather clumsily written and the subject never really comes to life. I studied with Miss Fuchs for five years and got to know her very well. This book, though it contains many facts, completely misses her unique personality, her probing mind, and most of all, her rich sense of humor.

7 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a book about Ms. Fuchs!, January 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lillian Fuchs, First Lady of the Viola (Studies in the History and Interpretation of Music) (Hardcover)

This was very informative and interesting book about the life and career of Lillian Fuchs, arguably the greatest violist/artist of all time. It gives a very good insight into her creative processes and character. Bravo Amadee!