Book of Musical Anecdotes (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Guido, a Benedictine monk, motivated by a desire to improve church singing, devised a system of identifying notes by syllables (e.g. 'ut', 're', 'mi'), along..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The appearance of this collection inspires comparisons with Ethan Mordden's recent Opera Anecdotes ( LJ 9/15/85). Like Mordden, Lebrecht arranges his stories chronologically and provides a name and composition index. Unlike Mordden, Lebrecht gives the sources for the original quotes, implying that the stories indeed are genuine. There are also biographical footnotes throughout. Either title would be a worthy (if not necessarily essential) purchase for most music collections, Lebrecht having a slight edge. Bryan C. Stoneburner, Univ. of Hawaii Lib., Honolulu
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Here is one of the most enjoyable and illuminating books ever published for the music lover, a feast of delightful anecdotes that reveal the all-too-human side of the great composers and performers.

There are stories of appetites (Handel eating dinner for three), embarrassments (Brahms falling asleep as Liszt plays), oddities (Bruckner's dog being trained to howl at Wagner), and devotions (a lovely admirer disrobing in tribute to Puccini). There are memorable accounts of Stravinsky telling Proust how much he hates Beethoven, of Tchaikovsky's first bewildering telephone call, of Dvorak's strange love of pigeons, and of Verdi's intricate maneuvering to keep the now-famous melody of "La donna è mobile" top secret.

There is also wonderful trivia (Beethoven loved to cat "bread soup" made with ten raw eggs), along with eccentric strategies (Verdi, disturbed by the sound of street organs playing arias from his operas, hired them all for a season and kept them locked in a room). There are examples of musicians munificent generosity (Haydn called Mozart "the greatest composer known to me, either in person or by name"), and scathing dismissal ("Have you heard any Stockhausen?" the conductor Sir Thomas Beecham was asked. "No," he replied, "but I believe I have trodden in some").

Collected from thousands of books, articles, and unpublished manuscripts (with historical sources provided in extensive notes), these anecdotes appear in their original form, throwing fresh light on familiar figures in the musical hall of fame. For browsing, reading, research and amusement, this book is a grand entertainment for concert-goers, record-buyers, operamanes, gossips and music lovers everywhere.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Free Press (December 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0029187109
• ISBN-13: 978-0029187104
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #67,107 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More light than usual in Lebrecht's little-known collection, July 19, 1999

By A Customer

Lebrecht gives life to these composers/musicians much in the same spirit that they gave of themselves in their own works. In many ways, these stories are as informative as some music history texts. From Bach to Stravinsky, these stories will make you laugh and cry. If you've grown weary of Lebrecht's more recent dark outlooks on the future of classical music, this book looks back on the sunnier days. Full of humorous, informative and touching stories, you won't regret you bought this!

0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars used book purchase, July 27, 2008

By	Bonita J. Coltin (Haverhill, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently purchased a used copy of Musical Anecdotes from a seller in PA.
The book was in fine condition. I was anticipating its arrival and sent an email to the seller about when I might expect it after the expected arrival date had passed. She was quick to respond with an explanation and the next day the book was delivered.