The Saddest Music Ever Written by Thomas Larson
An exploration of the cultural impact of Samuel Barbers Adagio for Strings, the Pieta of music, and its enigmatic composer.
“This is a wonderful examination of the effects of an artistic artifact on culture and, conversely, the various uses (undreamt of by the composer) to which the music has been put by othersIt is also a personal testament to the power of a cultural artifact on an individual. Highly recommended.” -- Library Journal
“If Aaron Copland was the Updike of American music, then Samuel Barber was its Cheever. Larson provides a rich biographical context for Barber’s fervid creativity.” -- The New Yorker
“Written with great compassion and earnestness. An intimate history of this great work of music. it is the soundtrack of the soul.” -- Phyllis Nordstrom - Classical Voice of New England
“Rarely, if ever, have nine minutes of music been subjected to such intense cultural, historical, and emotional analysis.” -- Eugene Drucker, violinist, The Emerson String Quartet
“An exploration of a fascinating composer, a case study in the cultural appropriation of works of art, and a very personal meditation on the power of music.” -- Kevin Bazzana, author of Lost Genius
“If Aaron Copland was the Updike of American music, then Samuel Barber was its Cheever. Larson provides a rich biographical context for Barber’s fervid creativity.” -- The New Yorker
“Written with great compassion and earnestness. An intimate history of this great work of music. it is the soundtrack of the soul.” -- Phyllis Nordstrom - Classical Voice of New England
“Rarely, if ever, have nine minutes of music been subjected to such intense cultural, historical, and emotional analysis.” -- Eugene Drucker, violinist, The Emerson String Quartet
“An exploration of a fascinating composer, a case study in the cultural appropriation of works of art, and a very personal meditation on the power of music.” -- Kevin Bazzana, author of Lost Genius
Thomas Larson is the author of The Memoir and the Memoirist: Reading and Writing Personal Narrative. For twelve years, he has been a staff writer for the San Diego Reader where he specializes in profiles, narrative nonfiction, and investigative journalism. A dynamic speaker, Larson presents workshops on memoir writing and lectures on Samuel Barber’s music throughout the country. he lives in San Diego with his partner Suzanna Neal.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781605981154 |
| ISBN 10 | 160598115X |
| Title | The Saddest Music Ever Written |
| Author | Thomas Larson |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Pegasus Books |
| Year published | 2010-09-15 |
| Number of pages | 272 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |