Overview

This book is the first biography of 20th-century pianist Rudolf Serkin, providing a narrative of Serkin's life with emphasis on his European roots and the impact of his move to America. Based on his personal papers and correspondence, as well as extensive interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, the authors focus on three key aspects of Serkin's work, particularly as it unfolded in America: his art and career as a pianist, his activities as a pedagogue, including his long association with the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, and his key role in institutionalizing a redefinition of musical values in America through his work as artistic director of the Marlboro Music School and Festival in Vermont. A candid and colorful blend of narrative and interviews, it offers a probing look into the life and character of this very private man and powerful musical personality.

Full Product Details

9780195130461

Table of Contents

Reviews

Rudolf Serkin habitually used his modesty as a protective shield against journalists ... in this economical, wide-ranging, well-ordered biography he comes across as both a richly deserving subject of any such enterprise and a figure of considerably greater complexity than he liked to reveal in public. * BBC Music Magazine *

""On the whole it shows that genius can overcome adverse political and social milieus, can survive and triumph, but often only at the cost of personal suffering of others.""--Michael H. Kater, The Canadian Center for German and European Studies, York University ""A profoundly rewarding book about a profoundly influential musician.""--Booklist,starred review ""On the whole it shows that genius can overcome adverse political and social milieus, can survive and triumph, but often only at the cost of personal suffering of others.""--Michael H. Kater, The Canadian Center for German and European Studies, York University

Rudolf Serkin habitually used his modesty as a protective shield against journalists ... in this economical, wide-ranging, well-ordered biography he comes across as both a richly deserving subject of any such enterprise and a figure of considerably greater complexity than he liked to reveal in public. BBC Music Magazine

Author Information

Stephen Lehmann is the Humanities Bibliographer at the University of Pennsylvania Library. Marion Faber is Professor of German at Swarthmore College.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available