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Play It Again: An Amateur Against the Impossible Hardcover – September 17, 2013

4.4 out of 5 stars 460

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As editor of the Guardian, one of the world's foremost newspapers, Alan Rusbridger abides by the relentless twenty-four-hour news cycle. But increasingly in midlife, he feels the gravitational pull of music―especially the piano. He sets himself a formidable challenge: to fluently learn Chopin's magnificent Ballade No. 1 in G minor, arguably one of the most difficult Romantic compositions in the repertory. With pyrotechnic passages that require feats of memory, dexterity, and power, the piece is one that causes alarm even in battle-hardened concert pianists. He gives himself a year.

Under ideal circumstances, this would have been a daunting task. But the particular year Rusbridger chooses turns out to be one of frenetic intensity. As he writes in his introduction, "Perhaps if I'd known then what else would soon be happening in my day job, I might have had second thoughts. For it would transpire that, at the same time, I would be steering the
Guardian through one of the most dramatic years in its history." It was a year that began with WikiLeaks' massive dump of state secrets and ended with the Guardian's revelations about widespread phone hacking at News of the World. "In between, there were the Japanese tsunami, the Arab Spring, the English riots . . . and the death of Osama Bin Laden," writes Rusbridger. The test would be to "nibble out" twenty minutes per day to do something totally unrelated to the above.

Rusbridger's description of mastering the Ballade is hugely engaging, yet his subject is clearly larger than any one piece of classical music.
Play It Again deals with focus, discipline, and desire but is, above all, about the sanctity of one's inner life in a world dominated by deadlines and distractions.



What will you do with your twenty minutes?


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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The editor of The Guardian recounts his quest to master a notoriously difficult piano piece in this inspiring book, a tale of perseverance in the face of enormous odds. During a period of more than a year marked by the WikiLeaks and phone-hacking scandal stories, amateur musician Rusbridger carves out the time in his demanding schedule to learn Chopin’s “Ballade No. 1 in G minor.” With great detail, down to the fingering of the piece, the series of diary entries will interest the musically minded most strongly, although it’s possible for nonmusicians to comprehend. Rusbridger speaks to experts and enthusiasts in several different fields to deepen his understanding of the piece and the impact of making music on the brain. Like the Chopin piece, reading this account requires dedication but holds rewards for those who make the effort. As his deadline looms, the drama mounts. Can he master the Ballade and answer his questions about the quest: Is there time for such an endeavor, or is it too late to try? --Bridget Thoreson

Review

“This wonderfully illuminating and entertaining chronicle shows Mr. Rusbridger's incredible dedication and energy in pursuing the mastery of an iconic Chopin piano work. He is an amateur of the piano in the way that we all should be--he truly loves the music and the instrument. I am inspired by his example.” ―Emanuel Ax

“This is not only the diary of a sixteen-month challenge but also an extended essay on beauty, memory, and performance; on time and how we use it; on work and what we do it for. A wonderful book.” ―
Sarah Bakewell, author of How to Live: or, A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer

“Music is not just for professionals. It is a universal art form
--to be treasured, shared, and enjoyed by amateurs. Play It Again is the inspiring story of how an exceptionally busy editor makes the time in his life for the piano--and one piece in particular, the fearsomely difficult Chopin G minor Ballade No. 1. If it encourages others to find the space for music, I, for one, would be extremely happy.” ―Daniel Barenboim

“This captivating book masquerades as the journal of a magnificent obsession, but you soon realize that it's wider-ranging than that, and far more endearing. The story pivots on a feeling that many of us share: a deep and abiding love of music coupled with a daydreamer's challenge to master one truly great work. With an exegetical discussion of Chopin's masterpiece, Alan Rusbridger insists we step inside the music with him and consider the score with the probing mind of a dedicated amateur. A remarkable tour de force.” ―
Thad Carhart, author of The Piano Shop on the Left Bank

“In this dazzling, dizzying memoir, one of the world's leading newspaper editors tells of learning to play Chopin's formidable Ballade No. 1 in G minor against a backdrop of phone hacking and WikiLeaks espionage. The day-to-day counterpoint of piano practice and breaking news is a compositional feat in itself: you have the impression of a wide-awake, fearless mind.” ―
Alex Ross, author of The Rest Is Noise

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Farrar, Straus and Giroux; Illustrated edition (September 17, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0374232911
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0374232917
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.41 x 1.41 x 9.18 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 460

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
460 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023
Even though I’m far from a classical pianist. I still very much enjoyed this journey. I learned a little to improve my practice but was twice as much inspired!
Thank you!
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2020
Pros: I am in my 60s and have played piano on and off throughout my life---stopping when I felt I didn't have the talent, starting again because it does feed my soul. This book was very inspiring to me. My takeaway is to be satisfied with the extent of my musical ability and to play solely for the pleasure. It encouraged me to work more on technical issues such as scales. And I have decided to polish 3 or 4 pieces that I can play really well (maybe even for my friends). It was a truly interesting and inspirational read.

Cons: Excuse my judgement but, I have the impression the author compulsively takes on challenges to the exclusion of family. I saw absolutely no room for his wife and children in the descriptions of this musical year. He has a healthy ego, but this is also what drives people to accomplish 'big' things.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2014
The concept of the book is very interesting. Whether the author completely succeeded in writing a totally engaging and fascinating work can be indeed debated. However, the book, for me, had enough content to keep me reading with great interest, although my attention was fading when details of British politics were the main topic.
As newer political scandals replace the old the book will face serious issues; it might become outdated quicker than a "normal" book would. This is unfortunate, because it contains enough of a substantial commentary on Chopin's op. 23 and the learning process of music that it deserves not to go into oblivion that soon.
The author is a reporter and not really a writer. Do not expect a novel or a psychological thriller. And the book is not a "monument to human soul". Rusbridger reported really well and honestly on his life and struggles with the ballade. He needs to be really congratulated for his passion for the piano. I wish his audience was bigger for his final performance.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2016
I love music, but I'm not a big classical music fan, and I don't play the piano. But I've really, really enjoyed this book. The gist of the story is that Mr. Rusbridger has a year to learn one of Chopin's most difficult piano pieces, the Ballade No. 1. He only gets to practice for perhaps a half hour a day. How does he do it? He gets a teacher, of course. But he also talks to many, many pianists, including some of the world's top pianists. He also talks to a few neuroscientists to figure out how, for instance, any person can possibly memorize a piece like Chopin's Ballade No. 1. At the same time, I should mention, Rusbridger is editor of the Guardian newspaper--so he's running a newspaper at the same time he's trying to figure out how to play this difficult piece. The lessons that Mr. Rusbridger learns about piano are not limited to the piano, of course, and that's what makes it doubly interesting: any new skill requires similar dedication, and yes, practice does make perfect.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2013
This book works at so many levels. First, it is the story of an unusual quest. The author is setting his sights on conquering one of the great works of the piano literature. The journey will be arduous and the outcome uncertain. As editor of the Guardian, the author has a job that is all encompassing - requiring a huge sink of time of time - from morning to near morning again - with phone calls, emails, scandals, etc. There are islands of commitments that take him away from his quest - and side journeys of building a music room - and finding a piano.

For many of us frustrated amateur musicians, it is a journey of hope - of validation that our own quests can be pursued. But regardless of one's musical aspirations, the author gives hope that one can (and should) bring other colors into our lives - to keep them from becoming overly monochromatic. And if he can...perhaps so can others of us who live lives of what sometimes appear to be stifling commitments of time and energy.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2015
I have just finished reading Play it Again, after savoring its pages for more than a year now. I loved it so much, and did not want it to end. Alan Rusbridger has done a great service to the amateur pianist community by writing such a thorough account of his travails with Chopins ballads. His writing style is sublime, as one would expect of a distinguished newsman. The book is a thoroughly enjoyable read, but more than that, it is a wonderful up-to-date guide on all things that affect and concern the amateur pianist. Most enriching was his plan to meet and interview several accomplished pianists and then to share their candid thoughts with us. As I read, I felt like I too had been granted the priceless opportunity to converse with Barenboim, Ax, Perahia, Berezovsky and many others.
I rank this book as one of 2 great reads for piano enthusiasts, the other being the 3 volume Liszt biography by Alan Walker.
Bravo Mr Rusbridger! Bravo! Write it Again.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2013
As an adult in her 60's who returned to the piano 2 years ago, and who loves classical music, I thoroughly enjoyed the piano/music parts of the book. But, be aware it is VERY technical to the point of tedium if you are not wildly interested in piano technique. I enjoyed learning about the the author's challenges and successes as well as all the tips he gathered from teachers and well known pianists who were familiar with that particular Chopin Ballad. However,it felt like at least half (or more)of the book was about Rusbridger's life as a high powered newspaper editor and the challenges of dealing with Wikileaks. Now, this topic might be extremely interesting to a wider audience, but they might feel like skimming the piano/music sections. So, if you are interested in both areas (as I was) go for it! (And make sure to have a CD of that Ballad handy for frequent listening, as well as the actual score if you are really a musician type.) If not, be aware you might be doing some major skimming.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story that moves
Reviewed in the Netherlands on January 22, 2024
The book entails a story that motivates me as a pianist to play as much as possible and never quit. I understand better what it means to play and will recommend anyone this book to be inspired to play any kind of instrument as well.
Ramachandra. R
4.0 out of 5 stars Unique book on learning music.
Reviewed in India on May 19, 2023
Complete nitty gritty on learning difficult piece on the piano. Even those who have learnt other instruments can sympathise with the author's struggle. Bonus is a detailed analysis of Chopin's Ballade No.1.
Alberto R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Autosuperación
Reviewed in Spain on June 9, 2020
Gran libro estilo diario, ideal para quien quiera aprender la Ballada 1 de Chopin, desde la Visión del Editor de the Guardian, multiples consejos y entrevistas con pianistas y expertos, me ha costsdo un poco al ser en ingles, pero lo he disfrutado
Client d'Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Quand on veut, on peut...
Reviewed in France on January 15, 2019
Alan Rusbridger, ancien éditorialiste au Guardian et pianiste amateur, nous livre le journal d'un défi, celui d'apprendre en une année à jouer la Ballade op 23 de Chopin. Bourré d'anecdotes et de digressions plaisantes, ce livre n'épargne pas au lecteur les difficultés techniques et musicales auxquelles l'auteur a été confronté et que d'éminents pianistes ( Perahia, Brendel...) ont aidé à surmonter. La comparaison peut paraître bizarre, mais ce livre m'a fait penser à la saga Harry Potter qui a réussi à mettre à la lecture les plus récalcitrants des ados et je souhaite que le livre de Rusbridger décide les timides et les hésitants à poser leurs mains sur un clavier.
S., A. Eugen
5.0 out of 5 stars Ein brillantes Werk
Reviewed in Germany on February 20, 2017
Rusbridger nimmt - als, wie er selber meint, eher kläglich gescheiterter Pianist - aus Spaß an der Freud an einem regelmäßigen Amateur-Klavierzirkel im französischen Lot-Tal teil, um dort vermeintlich vergessene Klavierfertigkeiten mit Gleichgesinnten aufzufrischen.
Bei einem dieser Treffen begegnet ihm Gary: Etwas linkisch, verschlossen, scheu. Doch am letzten Abend dieses Treffens spielt dieser so leicht zu übersehende Gary besagte g-moll-Ballade op. 23, dieses Stück pianistisch-virtuoser Doppeldeutigkeit, das selbst in Berufspianisten so etwas wie Verzweiflungsgefühle hervorrufen kann. Er spielt, und atemlos lauschen alle anderen. Er spielt es zu Ende, scheitert nicht wie Tage zuvor an einem Liszt, er ist gewissermaßen ein anderer Mensch, völlig absorbiert von dieser Musik, die streng genommen um viele Klassen über seinen Fertigkeiten liegt.

Diese Begegnung war der Auslöser für Rusbridgers Bemühungen, dieses Werk ebenfalls zu erarbeiten. Innerhalb nur eines Jahres, mit nur 20 Minuten Übungszeit täglich.
Und auf diese so brillant erzählte Reise nimmt uns der Autor mit. Immer schonungslos und ehrlich, aber stets mit Witz und Zuneigung geschrieben, berichtet Rusbridger von seinen Bemühungen, von seinem immer wieder so offensichtlichen Scheitern, von den neuen Anläufen, von kleinen Erfolgen, von größeren, illustriert die technischen Schwierigkeiten und den musikalischen Gehalt. Von neuen Methoden und wieder anderen Fingersätzen, von ganz neuem Verstehen dieser oder anderer Passagen, von der Ambiguität und Mehrdeutigkeit, der Vielschichtigkeit dieses Werkes, die er mit so glänzenden Pianisten wie Alfred Brendel oder Murray Perahia oder Daniel Barenboim diskutiert (was für ein Glück, als Chefredakteur des Guardian all diese faszinierenden Menschen zu kennen!).
Er erzählt, wie WikiLeaks und andere spannende politische Begebenheiten seine musikalischen Ambitionen immer wieder unterbrechen, gewährt Einblicke in die pianistischen Fähigkeiten von Condoleezza Rice und anderen Größen der Zeit, und nimmt den Leser mit auf atemlose Höhenflüge, denen so oft die fingersatztechnische Ernüchterung folgt.
Viele Notenauszüge erläutern den Text vorzüglich, immer wieder sind Bilder seiner Begegnungen eingestreut. Im Anhang findet sich ein Faksimile des Arbeitsexemplars von op. 23, mit all den Anmerkungen, die zum Ziel führen sollen. Die technischen Finessen und Höchstschwierigkeiten des Werkes werden als musikalische Ausdrucksform, ja: Notwendigkeit erkennbar, sie sind nicht nur bloßes eitles Schauwerk, l'art pour l'art. Für jeden musikalisch Interessierten ein Genuß.

Ein herrliches Buch.
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