Overview

Building Bridges with Music: Stories from a Composer's Life (Expanded Second Edition) Step into the extraordinary life of Samuel Adler, one of the most celebrated composers and conductors of our time. From a childhood marked by the horrors of Nazi Germany to a career spanning over six decades in music, teaching, and composition, Adler's journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unifying power of music. Born in Mannheim, Germany, Adler narrowly escaped the atrocities of Kristallnacht at age 10, emigrating to the United States in 1939. After serving in the U.S. Army following World War II, Adler built a legendary career, publishing over 400 works and teaching at prestigious institutions like The Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music. His influence has shaped countless musicians and spanned the globe through masterclasses and workshops at over 300 universities. In Building Bridges with Music, Adler shares vivid recollections of his remarkable life. From his early days in Germany and his years in academia to encounters with some of the most influential figures in music, arts, religion, and politics, his stories paint a rich tapestry of historical and musical insight. Through it all, Adler reflects on his lifelong mission: using music to build bridges across cultures and generations. This expanded second edition offers even more treasures for readers, including: A new foreword and a final chapter covering the past five years of Adler's inspiring journey. Detailed essays on worship, music for the synagogue, and his philosophy of teaching. A complete works list, editor's notes, and additional reflections. Musicians, history enthusiasts, and lovers of compelling storytelling will delight in this collection of heartfelt anecdotes, musical insights, and historical detail. At 96 years old, Samuel Adler continues to compose, teach, and inspire, proving that the power of music knows no bounds. Building Bridges with Music is an unforgettable memoir from a man whose life and work transcend borders and generations--a true celebration of the human spirit through music.

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9781640608924

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Samuel Adler's unforgettable memoir Building Bridges with Music would be worthwhile and gipping reading for anyone, even if he were not one of the world's greatest composers. Who else living can say that General Dwight D. Eisenhower had his personal tailor make a special uniform for him? Who else hid trembling in his Cantor father's choir loft, trying to save music as the Nazis prepared to destroy their temple after Kristallnacht? But Adler IS one of the planet's finest creators of music, and this latest edition of his wonderful book provides new insight into his nearly century-long journey and the creative process. Sam Adler, by the way, is still enthusiastically making music as he enters his 97th year, and we should earnestly hope that he will be doing so for the world for years to come. -- Jack Lessenberry, Lessenberryink.com

"Samuel Adler's unforgettable memoir Building Bridges with Music would be worthwhile and gripping reading for anyone, even if he were not one of the world's greatest composers. Who else living can say that General Dwight D. Eisenhower had his personal tailor make a special uniform for him? Who else hid trembling in his Cantor father's choir loft, trying to save music as the Nazis prepared to destroy their temple after Kristallnacht? But Adler IS one of the planet's finest creators of music, and this latest edition of his wonderful book provides new insight into his nearly century-long journey and the creative process. Sam Adler, by the way, is still enthusiastically making music as he enters his 97th year, and we should earnestly hope that he will be doing so for the world for years to come. -- Jack Lessenberry, Lessenberryink.com ""Samuel Adler has had a rewarding career working with many of the most important musicians of the last century. His memoir is packed to the brim with memorable stories and lessons from a composer's working life, all told with remarkable honesty, gratitude, good humor, and hope."" --Brian Reinhart, classical music writer, D Magazine"

Author Information

Samuel Adler, born on March 4, 1928, in Mannheim, Germany, is a distinguished composer and educator whose life and work extend far beyond the realm of music. Emigrating to the United States in 1939, Adler, a survivor of Kristallnacht, has become a towering figure in contemporary classical music and a beacon of resilience and creativity. He has composed over 400 published works, including operas, symphonies, concerti, oratorios, and choral pieces, performed globally. His books, such as The Study of Orchestration, are essential texts in music education. Educated at Boston University and Harvard, Adler studied under legendary figures like Aaron Copland and Paul Hindemith and holds honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions. At the Eastman School of Music, he taught from 1966 to 1995, profoundly shaping generations of composers and continued his teaching legacy at the Juilliard School from 1997 to 2017. Adler's impact reaches far beyond music. As a Jewish immigrant, his life and work have bridged two centuries and multiple cultures. He has been honored with numerous awards, including induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His contributions to music have earned him prestigious commissions and accolades, such as the ASCAP Aaron Copland Award for Lifetime Achievement. Adler has conducted major orchestras worldwide and his friendships and collaborations with influential artists and thinkers have bridged cultures and eras. His extraordinary journey from a Kristallnacht survivor to a globally celebrated composer and educator embodies the profound impact of art on society. His work continues to inspire and educate, highlighting the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and connect humanity.

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