Full Product Details
Author: Kirke Mechem
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield
Dimensions:
Width: 15.00cm
, Height: 1.60cm
, Length: 23.00cm
Weight: 0.340kg
ISBN: 9781538104385
ISBN 10: 1538104385
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 19 January 2017
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
In this engaging new memoir, [Mechem] traces his development from boyhood ... to his current status as the dean of American choral music. ... He is a wonderful writer, one who encourages young composers to restore beauty to their work and readers to reject trends and believe their own ears. San Jose Mercury News Kirke Mechem, American composer of song, symphony, choral works and opera, emerges as a compelling memoirist in his new book, Believe Your Ears: Life of a Lyric Composer. National Opera Association Newsletter An entertaining and informative memoir; it doesn't speak to the reader like an academic tome... He keeps the story light with interesting anecdotes and side stories... Very valuable is the final chapter Coda, where he goes into great detail about tonality and atonality in the 20th century and explains both systems for the average reader. His is a life well-lived, we learn-one which crossed paths with many of the great minds and talents of the last 100 years. These include Benjamin Britten, Billy Jean King and Randall Thompson, to name a few... [A] well-written page turner and will appeal to everyone, but especially to the opera educator who wants to know a little more about his opera compositional process; the choral conductor looking to learn about Mechem's choral works, and to the composer wanting to gain some practical knowledge. The Opera Journal Kirke Mechem's intriguing memoir is set within the context of contemporary music development. Mechem tells not only his own fascinating story but also that of art music in general. Reading the book is like listening to Mr. Mechem talk; its conversational tone is easy to digest, and yet the content is detailed and stimulating. Having performed many of Kirke Mechem's choral works, some with him present for rehearsals, I was eager to learn even more about him and his music. Written with insight and wit, the book is a must-read for choral and opera enthusiasts, for aspiring composers, and for all fans of this remarkable and prolific composer. -- Hilary Apfelstadt, director of Choral Activities, University of Toronto, former president, ACDA For decades, Kirke Mechem's beautiful, important work has been a cornerstone in the musical experience and education of countless young singers, conductors, and composers, myself included. Having been always filled with admiration for his inventive, stylish, fun, and dramatic work, I was delighted to read about the man behind the music in this heartfelt, engaging, personal, and generous book. Mechem's journey as an American composer is filled with adventure and possibility. So is his music, which has touched and inspired performers and audiences around the world. Fascinating reading, especially to us Americans. I couldn't put it down. Mr. Mechem offers such a clear look into the profound travails an American composer must face-self-discipline, deep cultural education, craftsmanship, the peculiar complexities of our American cultural politics and above all the incredible courage required to swim against the currents of popular trends. -- Kent Nagano, directeur Musical Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal; general music director of the Hamburg State Opera and chief conductor of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra Woven through this memoir is a revealing commentary that contextualizes the development of styles and trends in the world of contemporary classical music. Honest, colorful, musically acute, and most of all, wonderfully engaging-just like Kirke's music! -- Stephen M. Sano, director of Choral Studies, Stanford University Believe Your Ears by Kirke Mechem is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. A sensitive, gracefully-worded, and remarkably entertaining journey that is both an engrossing biography and a detailed examination of his work. This book should be read by everyone interested in music and great writing. -- Bill Theisen, director of Opera, University of Iowa School of Music A refreshing, entertaining and affirming book... I have dog-eared many pages to share with my general ed students as well as music majors. I highly recommend this book to students and colleagues alike. -- Lou De La Rosa, President, California Chapter American Choral Directors Association
In this engaging new memoir, [Mechem] traces his development from boyhood ... to his current status as the dean of American choral music. ... He is a wonderful writer, one who encourages young composers to restore beauty to their work and readers to reject trends and believe their own ears. San Jose Mercury News Kirke Mechem, American composer of song, symphony, choral works, and opera, emerges as a compelling memoirist in his new book - Believe Your Ears: Life of a Lyric Composer. National Opera Association Newsletter An entertaining and informative memoir; it doesn't speak to the reader like an academic tome... He keeps the story light with interesting anecdotes and side stories... Very valuable is the final chapter Coda, where he goes into great detail about tonality and atonality in the 20th century and explains both systems for the average reader. His is a life well-lived, we learn-one which crossed paths with many of the great minds and talents of the last 100 years. These include Benjamin Britten, Billy Jean King and Randall Thompson, to name a few... [A] well-written page turner that will appeal to everyone, but especially to the opera educator who wants to know a little more about his opera compositional process; the choral conductor looking to learn about Mechem's choral works, and the composer wanting to gain some practical knowledge. The Opera Journal The distinguished composer of more than 250 works, including classic choral works and the well-received opera Tartuffe, as well as John Brown and The Rivals, Kirke Mechem tells a story that combines the autobiography of a boy from Kansas who stumbles into an exceptional career in music with a fascinating first-person history of classical music in the 20th century. As a musician, teacher, observer - and a great tennis player to boot - Mechem embodies the persistence and kindness for which he has long been held in high regard. Opera America Kirke Mechem's intriguing memoir is set within the context of contemporary music development. Mechem tells not only his own fascinating story but also that of art music in general. Reading the book is like listening to Mr. Mechem talk; its conversational tone is easy to digest, and yet the content is detailed and stimulating. Having performed many of Kirke Mechem's choral works, some with him present for rehearsals, I was eager to learn even more about him and his music. Written with insight and wit, the book is a must-read for choral and opera enthusiasts, for aspiring composers, and for all fans of this remarkable and prolific composer. -- Hilary Apfelstadt, director of Choral Activities, University of Toronto, former president, ACDA For decades, Kirke Mechem's beautiful, important work has been a cornerstone in the musical experience and education of countless young singers, conductors, and composers, myself included. Having been always filled with admiration for his inventive, stylish, fun, and dramatic work, I was delighted to read about the man behind the music in this heartfelt, engaging, personal, and generous book. Mechem's journey as an American composer is filled with adventure and possibility. So is his music, which has touched and inspired performers and audiences around the world. Fascinating reading, especially to us Americans. I couldn't put it down. Mr. Mechem offers such a clear look into the profound travails an American composer must face-self-discipline, deep cultural education, craftsmanship, the peculiar complexities of our American cultural politics and above all the incredible courage required to swim against the currents of popular trends. -- Kent Nagano, directeur Musical Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal; general music director of the Hamburg State Opera and chief conductor of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra Woven through this memoir is a revealing commentary that contextualizes the development of styles and trends in the world of contemporary classical music. Honest, colorful, musically acute, and most of all, wonderfully engaging-just like Kirke's music! -- Stephen M. Sano, director of Choral Studies, Stanford University Believe Your Ears by Kirke Mechem is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. A sensitive, gracefully-worded, and remarkably entertaining journey that is both an engrossing biography and a detailed examination of his work. This book should be read by everyone interested in music and great writing. -- Bill Theisen, director of Opera, University of Iowa School of Music A refreshing, entertaining and affirming book... I have dog-eared many pages to share with my general ed students as well as music majors. I highly recommend this book to students and colleagues alike. -- Lou De La Rosa, President, California Chapter American Choral Directors Association
In this engaging new memoir, [Mechem] traces his development from boyhood ... to his current status as the dean of American choral music. ... He is a wonderful writer, one who encourages young composers to restore beauty to their work and readers to reject trends and believe their own ears. San Jose Mercury News Kirke Mechem, American composer of song, symphony, choral works and opera, emerges as a compelling memoirist in his new book, Believe Your Ears: Life of a Lyric Composer. National Opera Association Newsletter An entertaining and informative memoir; it doesn't speak to the reader like an academic tome... He keeps the story light with interesting anecdotes and side stories... Very valuable is the final chapter Coda, where he goes into great detail about tonality and atonality in the 20th century and explains both systems for the average reader. His is a life well-lived, we learn-one which crossed paths with many of the great minds and talents of the last 100 years. These include Benjamin Britten, Billy Jean King and Randall Thompson, to name a few... [A] well-written page turner and will appeal to everyone, but especially to the opera educator who wants to know a little more about his opera compositional process; the choral conductor looking to learn about Mechem's choral works, and to the composer wanting to gain some practical knowledge. The Opera Journal The distinguished composer of more than 250 works, including classic choral works and the well-received opera Tartuffe, as well as John Brown and The Rivals, Kirke Mechem tells a story that combines the autobiography of a boy from Kansas who stumbles into an exceptional career in music with a fascinating first-person history of classical music in the 20th century. As a musician, teacher, observer - and a great tennis player to boot - Mechem embodies the persistence and kindness for which he has long been held in high regard. Opera America Kirke Mechem's intriguing memoir is set within the context of contemporary music development. Mechem tells not only his own fascinating story but also that of art music in general. Reading the book is like listening to Mr. Mechem talk; its conversational tone is easy to digest, and yet the content is detailed and stimulating. Having performed many of Kirke Mechem's choral works, some with him present for rehearsals, I was eager to learn even more about him and his music. Written with insight and wit, the book is a must-read for choral and opera enthusiasts, for aspiring composers, and for all fans of this remarkable and prolific composer. -- Hilary Apfelstadt, director of Choral Activities, University of Toronto, former president, ACDA For decades, Kirke Mechem's beautiful, important work has been a cornerstone in the musical experience and education of countless young singers, conductors, and composers, myself included. Having been always filled with admiration for his inventive, stylish, fun, and dramatic work, I was delighted to read about the man behind the music in this heartfelt, engaging, personal, and generous book. Mechem's journey as an American composer is filled with adventure and possibility. So is his music, which has touched and inspired performers and audiences around the world. Fascinating reading, especially to us Americans. I couldn't put it down. Mr. Mechem offers such a clear look into the profound travails an American composer must face-self-discipline, deep cultural education, craftsmanship, the peculiar complexities of our American cultural politics and above all the incredible courage required to swim against the currents of popular trends. -- Kent Nagano, directeur Musical Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal; general music director of the Hamburg State Opera and chief conductor of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra Woven through this memoir is a revealing commentary that contextualizes the development of styles and trends in the world of contemporary classical music. Honest, colorful, musically acute, and most of all, wonderfully engaging-just like Kirke's music! -- Stephen M. Sano, director of Choral Studies, Stanford University Believe Your Ears by Kirke Mechem is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. A sensitive, gracefully-worded, and remarkably entertaining journey that is both an engrossing biography and a detailed examination of his work. This book should be read by everyone interested in music and great writing. -- Bill Theisen, director of Opera, University of Iowa School of Music A refreshing, entertaining and affirming book... I have dog-eared many pages to share with my general ed students as well as music majors. I highly recommend this book to students and colleagues alike. -- Lou De La Rosa, President, California Chapter American Choral Directors Association
Author Information
Kirke Mechem is the composer of some 250 published titles, most notably four operas and many orchestral and vocal works that have graced the stages of opera houses and symphony halls throughout the world. He is commonly referred to as the “dean of American choral music.” His opera Tartuffe has been performed more than 400 times in six countries.
