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Biographies of Classical Musicians
1
Untold stories of Handel’s Messiah creation.
Powerful historical narrative and emotional depth.
Explores lives behind this musical masterpiece.
Set in turbulent early Enlightenment Britain.
Engages with themes of war and enslavement.
Features diverse characters and their struggles.
Crafted by bestselling historian Charles King.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $21.52
2
A fascinating blend of science, history, and memoir.
Explores Mozart's bond with a playful starling.
Engaging narratives of a composer and a bird.
Highlights the challenges faced by starlings today.
Written by seasoned naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt.
Delightful insights into humans' connection with nature.
An NPR Best Book of the Year selection.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $10.63
3
Explores Mozart's bond with a starling pet.
Highlights the starling's impact on Mozart's work.
Discusses the complex relationship with invasive starlings.
Combines natural history, biography, and memoir.
Offers insights into human-animal friendships.
Reveals the secret life of starlings.
Encourages reflection on our place in nature.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $11.19
4
Explores the cello's powerful storytelling ability.
Highlights four cellists' inspiring and tragic journeys.
Includes historical research and personal narratives.
Features stories of forgotten musicians from diverse backgrounds.
Connects past and present cello experiences and insights.
Engaging narrative by writer and cellist Kate Kennedy.
Resonates emotionally long after reading the book.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $19.75
5
Engaging guide to classical music for everyone.
Explores history's greatest composers and their works.
Includes a second-by-second listening guide.
Features a detailed classical music timeline.
Offers insights into the orchestra's structure.
Provides online materials like videos and audio tracks.
Perfect for expanding your musical knowledge and enjoyment.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $15.69
6
Definitive biography of Mozart by Jan Swafford.
Explores Mozart's genius and extraordinary imagination.
Highlights his vibrant social life and friendships.
Captures Mozart's humor and energetic spirit.
Examines his profound impact on classical music.
Includes PDF companion for deeper insights.
Recommended for music lovers and history enthusiasts.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $38.58
7
Definitive biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Acclaimed author Jan Swafford explores Mozart's life.
Insight into Mozart's playful and joyous personality.
Reveals Mozart's profound impact on classical music.
Explores the genius's social life and relationships.
Combines humor and depth in storytelling.
Essential reading for music and biography enthusiasts.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $10.99
8
Explores Handel's Messiah's untold historical context.
Highlights lives of 18th-century artists and thinkers.
Describes Britain’s creative yet troubled Enlightenment era.
Features captivating stories of diverse individuals.
Engaging narrative of struggle, hope, and perseverance.
Acclaimed by notable authors and critics alike.
Perfect for music and history enthusiasts.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $14.99
9
Definitive biography of composer Johannes Brahms.
Written by acclaimed author Jan Swafford.
Utilizes extensive archival material for insights.
Explores Brahms's complex personal and romantic life.
Examines his rivalry with Liszt and Wagner.
Richly detailed portrayal of Brahms's youth.
Recognized as a New York Times Notable Book.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $21.97
10
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for biography.
Thoroughly researched study of Mozart's life and work.
Draws on over fifty years of new information.
In-depth account of Mozart’s family life and passions.
Explores Mozart’s personality and creative genius.
Considered a crucial music biography by critics.
Written by esteemed biographer Maynard Solomon.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $15.19
11
Explores Beethoven through one hundred influential compositions.
Unique insights into Beethoven's life and struggles.
Curated best recordings from his extensive catalogue.
Unravels mysteries behind iconic pieces like "Für Elise."
Captivating narrative reflects Beethoven's artistic journey.
Highlights his impact on music and generations.
Written by renowned music expert Norman Lebrecht.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $16.99
12
Comprehensive biography of Fryderyk Chopin.
Based on extensive research and primary sources.
Corrects myths surrounding Chopin's life and work.
Focuses on childhood, youth, and relationships.
Engaging prose for casual readers and professionals.
Illuminates Chopin's music with clarity and insight.
A landmark work on a legendary composer.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $23.63
13
Explores Bach's life and extraordinary musical genius.
Written by renowned conductor John Eliot Gardiner.
Rich insights from recent Bach scholarship included.
Discusses Bach's creative processes and compositions.
Delves into historical context and influences on Bach.
Engaging narrative suitable for music lovers and scholars.
A must-read for understanding Bach's legacy and impact.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $15.28
14
Play famous classical songs easily.
Arrangements for pianists with two years' experience.
Transposed for fewer sharps and flats.
One-page arrangements for quick practice.
Full versions available for deeper experience.
Tested by professional piano teachers.
Includes a performance video on YouTube.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $14.97
15
Intimate conversations about music and writing.
Features Haruki Murakami and Seiji Ozawa.
Explores diverse musical genres and composers.
Includes personal anecdotes from Ozawa's career.
Reflects on the nature of music and creativity.
Offers insights into record collecting and performances.
A unique glimpse into two maestros' perspectives.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $13.99
16
Finalist for the 2001 Pulitzer Prize in Biography.
Revised edition includes new discoveries and insights.
Engaging portrayal of J. S. Bach's life.
Connects Bach's life with his extraordinary music.
Includes 42 black and white illustrations.
Sets a new standard for Bach biographies.
Accessible and readable for all audiences.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $23.20
17
Comprehensive biography of Beethoven's life and struggles.
Insights from Beethoven scholar John Suchet.
Explores his difficult childhood and relationships.
Highlights Beethoven's decline in hearing over time.
Includes rare source material and latest research.
Chronicles key events in Beethoven's illustrious career.
Enhances appreciation for his profound musical contributions.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $13.29
18
Explores lives of greatest classical composers.
Highlights influence of faith on musical compositions.
Examines changes in contemporary music's meaning.
Encourages deeper understanding of classical music.
Perfect for classical music lovers and newcomers.
Expanded and revised for enriched reading experience.
Unlocks a new world of musical appreciation.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $19.81
19
New York Times Bestseller
Witty memoir exploring classical music's power
Written by MacArthur “Genius” Grant winner Jeremy Denk
Focuses on music teachers and personal experiences
Illuminates challenges of artistic practice
Deep dives into music theory and composition
Celebrates the joy of teaching and learning
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $18.22
20
Powerful memoir of Holocaust and music heritage.
Honest storytelling with humor and deep reflection.
Recognized as one of 100 Best Indie Books 2023.
Captivating narrative of three generations' experiences.
Unravels family secrets and personal discovery.
Music serves as a lifeline and healing force.
Timely read amidst rising antisemitism today.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $21.94
21
New York Times Bestseller
Witty memoir by pianist Jeremy Denk
Explores classical music's power and meanings
Focus on teachers and everyday experiences
Illuminates artistic practice struggles
Engaging prose about music lessons
Encourages questioning music's purposes
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $17.72
22
Authoritative biography of Shostakovich's life.
Based on primary documents and letters.
Explores artist's challenges under Soviet rule.
Includes detailed lists of works and bibliography.
Examines complexities of Shostakovich's political stance.
Highlights his art during Nazi invasion.
Essential resource for Shostakovich studies.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $9.99
23
A thrilling biography of Tchaikovsky's life.
Explores his artistic contributions to imperial Russia.
Challenges common perceptions of Tchaikovsky's character.
Examines music's relationship with politics and culture.
Reveals Tchaikovsky's influence on Russian national identity.
Provides new insights into his personal struggles.
Celebrated author Simon Morrison offers fresh perspectives.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $28.67
24
Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edmund Morris.
Explores Beethoven's complexity and genius in depth.
Highlights Beethoven's enduring global popularity and influence.
Details struggles with deafness while composing masterpieces.
Insightful examination of his personal relationships and interactions.
Captures the essence of his immortal musical legacy.
Acclaimed by critics for vivid and elegant writing.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $9.99
25
Dive into Jimmy Buffett's vibrant life journey.
Explore his iconic music and cultural impact.
Discover tales behind timeless classics like Margaritaville.
Learn about the Parrothead fan community.
Uncover the Margaritaville brand and its phenomenon.
Enjoy exclusive interviews and captivating anecdotes.
Celebrate the spirit of escapism and adventure.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $12.99
26
Explore Benson Boone’s inspiring musical journey.
Discover his early life and formative moments.
Follow his rise from covers to global stages.
Learn about challenges and sacrifices in his career.
Uncover personal struggles and growth through fame.
Gain insights into his creative songwriting process.
See his impact on a new generation of artists.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $4.99
27
Comprehensive guide to classical music's great composers.
Over 100 detailed composer biographies included.
Illustrations of composers and historical contexts featured.
Key works highlighted for each influential composer.
Beautifully illustrated with original manuscript examples.
Covers composers from medieval to modern eras.
A must-have for music enthusiasts and scholars.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $21.38
28
Comprehensive biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Debunks myths about Mozart's life and career.
Richly entertaining, filled with warmth and wit.
Highlights Mozart's child prodigy beginnings in Vienna.
Explores his struggles and successes throughout life.
Offers insights into his joyful disposition and humor.
Captivating read for music lovers and history enthusiasts.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $27.95
29
In-depth biography of Mozart's life and legacy.
Written by esteemed biographer Maynard Solomon.
Combines novelistic grace with philosophical insight.
Reveals personal aspects of Mozart's character.
Includes decades of new research and information.
Celebrated as a vital music biography.
Offers a unique perspective on Mozart's genius.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $15.99
30
Comprehensive introduction to Beethoven's life and music.
Accessible for readers without musical expertise.
Explores Beethoven's works and their deeper meanings.
Contextualizes music with significant life events.
Highlights Beethoven's intense tragic power and spirituality.
Enduring classic, still relevant nearly a century later.
Authored by noted writer John William Navin Sullivan.
Average Rating out of 5:
Price Range: $12.95
