Sviatoslav Richter was a dazzling performer but an intensely
private man. Though world famous and revered by classical music
lovers everywhere, he guarded himself and his thoughts as carefully
as his talent. Fascinated, author and filmmaker Bruno Monsaingeon
tried vainly for years to interview the enigmatic pianist. Richter
eventually yielded, granting Monsaingeon hours of taped
conversation, unlimited access to his diaries and notebooks, and,
ultimately, his friendship. This book is the product of that
friendship.
Richter reveals himself as a man and an artist. Unsentimentally
and with his characteristic dry humor and intelligence, the
musician describes his poignant childhood and spectacular career,
including his tumultuous early days at the Moscow Conservatory and
his triumphant 1960 tour of the United States. His laconic
recounting of playing in the orchestra at Stalin's surreal,
interminable state funeral is riveting. Most important for music
lovers, Richter discusses his influences and views on musical
interpretation. He describes his encounters with other great
Russian performers and composers, including Prokoviev,
Shostakovich, Oistrakh, and Gilels. Candid sections from his
personal journals offer his sober and unguarded impressions of
dozens of performances and recordings--both his own and those of
other musicians.
This volume offers readers the sizable pleasure of lingering in
the thoughts and words of one of the most important pianists of the
twentieth century. Unlike many other star performers, Richter was
also an intellectual who had interesting things to say,
particularly about the musician's proper role as interpreter of the
composer's art. This alone makes the book worth reading. Sviatoslav
Richter belongs on the shelves of everyone with a classical music
collection and will also appeal to lovers of autobiography and
admirers of Russian musical culture.
General
Imprint: |
Princeton University Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
August 2002 |
First published: |
2003 |
Authors: |
Bruno Monsaingeon
|
Translators: |
Stewart Spencer
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152 x 27mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
Pages: |
464 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-691-09549-3 |
Categories: |
Books >
Earth & environment >
Geography >
General
|
LSN: |
0-691-09549-3 |
Barcode: |
9780691095493 |
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