A group biography of four magnificent and prodigiously talented women composers who, though famous in their lifetimes for their works, are now ghosts in the canon. All were born between 1858... read more
Uses Beethoven's music to tell the story of his life; a zestful account, told in short chapters though a hundred pieces of music and recommended recordings.
An entertaining and affecting memoir of the great pianist's youth and early training, which began in a suburb of post-war Liverpool. Told with candour and simplicity.
Shinichi Suzuki was a violinist who became more famous as an educator and philosopher; his ideas of language acquisition revolutionised musical training. He also did much to erode occidental... read more
A short biography of Thomas Linley, the Georgian prodigy who was celebrated - with Mozart - by Burney as "the most promising geniusses of the age". But he died very young.
The first violinist of the Takacs Quartet ruminates on the work of Bartók, Britten, Dvořák and Elgar in relation to ideas of home, exile, nostalgia and place, the hope and even dread of r... read more
Stoppard's libretto for André Previn's Penelope - a monodrama by Odysseus's wife - first performed in 2019 by Renée Fleming, Uma Thurman and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
The late lamented drummer of the Rolling Stones, who died just over a year ago. He was also a jazz fiend, playing and recording with several other musicians. His deadpan demeanour set off hi... read more
The ambitions of the youngest member of a musical family are thwarted by having to play the triangle... But help appears in the form of a cat-ghost, Maestro Gus, who is a magical teacher. A ... read more