5 comments about The Mahler Symphonies: An Owner's Manual (includes 1 CD).

1. David Hurwitz's THE MAHLER SYMPHONIES is aptly subtitled "An Owner's Manual." The book is intended for people who already know they like Mahler's music, and want to know more about it.
   
   Have you ever met a birder--one of those unusual people so devoted to the study of birds that they can look up into the trees and spot several different birds, where you and I would be lucky to see even one? Well, that's what Hurwitz is for Mahler devotees. He looks beyond a simple introduction to each symphony, and tells us what is going on--from the instruments involved, to the ideas or feelings being painted in sound.
   
   At first I thought it might be "kinda hokey" that the book comes with a CD inside the back cover. But bless his soul, Hurwitz was right to do it this way. Using the CD tracks, he points to things like "a sinister little tremolo (18:36)" that might have been overlooked without the CD accompaniment to illustrate the written word.
   
   What really delighted me were the tables at the end of the book's discussion of Mahler's symphonies. In these tables, Hurwitz categorizes the symphonies according to their content of:
   
   "Marches and Dances,"
   "Screams, Crashes, and Thuds,"
   "Appearances of the 'Aspiration' or 'Redemption' Theme
   "Mahlerian Humor"
   "Large-scale Structure"
   
   If you are an admirer of Mahler's music, these tables will indicate to you that David Hurwitz "gets it"--he understands that Mahler's music is much more than sounds, or a simple concert performance by an orchestra. Mahler left behind the form-fitting rules of "Classical Music" because he had something bigger to say about life. David Hurwitz will help you appreciate Mahler even more than you already do!



2. Good book, only gripe is that the author goes into too much detail describing the music itself (for example telling what instruments are doing what) I think what I am looking for is more of an analysis of the symphonies. Hope this helps



3. David Hurwitz has written a marvelous guide for the classical music listener who wants to get more out of Mahler's symphonies but: a) lacks the ability to follow the music him/herself, or make sense of it; and b) finds that CD and program notes do not provide sufficiently detailed description, or are too technical to be understandable. The author provides lengthy but non-technical descriptions of the music as it progresses, keeping the listener on track and ready for what comes next. Major melodies or tunes are identified by ad hoc names (the "kletzmer," the "Alma," etc.). Major rhythms are identified for the reader-listener in the most basic terms (i.e. "dum dum dadum dum"), but it works! Hurwitz eschews biographical background in favor of discussion of the form and content of the music itself. Even if the author fails to convert you to a Mahlerian (and he certainly seems to be one himself), his book will deepen your appreciation for this formerly "much abused" composer.
   
   My complaints are few. In his enthusiasm the author has a tendency to confuse the words "literal" and "figurative" such that, at one point in the book he describes the orchestra as "literally falling over a cliff" or words to that effect; which, for the sake of the musicians' health and casualty insurance premiums I hope did not happen. I wish that discussions of form and interpretations of meaning had been reserved for the front of each chapter, directly following the introduction, so the chronological description of the music had not been interrupted. Strangely, the author, who is not bashful about expressing his opinions, seems surprisingly hesitant to divulge his extra-musical interpretations of the music. Finally, Hurwitz is a most uncritical critic, defending Mahler from every criticism, even those that, to my ears, are justifiable.
   
   In addition to the book the purchaser receives a CD with one-movement excerpts from four Mahler symphonies (#'s 1, 2, 5 and 7). The guides to these four movements contain exact time references to these CD performances for greater ease in following along.
   
   Buyer beware: you'll find you'll want to acquire CD's of Mahler symphonies you don't presently own (I bought #'s 6 and 7), or purchase other versions if yours don't reveal all the twitters, birdcalls, or cowbells itemized in the book.
   
   Highly recommended.



4. ... and hopefully Mr. Hurwitz's words strenghen the fact that Mahler is one of the greatest composers of all time (and he is my top favorite composer) - not just through vastness and complexity, but also through "representing the world", being universal, escorting humanity through music like Beethoven.
   
   Just reading certain passages which seems to coincide what I exactly thing about Mahler's remarkable musical messages (especially in the triumphant Symphony No. 2 and the apocalyptic Symphony No. 9) put me to tears.
   
   Whether you're obsessed with Mahler, or want to understand his musical words, buy it!!!



5. Hurwitz breaks down Mahler's nine symphonies plus his song cycle "The Song of the Earth" into their parts as these contribute to the whole; and the parts too are broken down for their development, tone, and instruments. Analyses and commentary mingle with frequent metaphoric, near-poetic, evocations of musical passages. In the Fifth Movement of Symphony No. 5, "Horn and woodwinds unfold a series of perky little tunes...." In the Second Movement, "As this climax dies away trailing clouds of strings and horns, the woodwinds slither back in with sinister whirring scales." Hurwitz also gives attention to the spiritual ideas and the emotions embodied in Mahler's music. The author of "Beethoven or Bust: A Practical Guide to Learning About and Listening to Great Music," Hurwitz writes about music in a style that is suitable for readers of all ages from young adults and up.

No comments about Being an Actor.

2 comments about Improv Ideas: A Book of Games And Lists.

1. It isn't often that you can find one book that will work with 8-12 year olds and also with adults, but the exercises in this book can easily be adapted for all ages. They could also be used in a regular classroom setting to encourage critical thinking about circumstances, emotions, or they can be placed in a historical setting. I especially like having the CD of the printed pages to work with. A "must have" piece for teachers of all ages.



2. Cross-referenced and indexed twelve ways, Improve Ideas packs a cd-rom filled with printable PDF files of every list with a compendium of games which have been compiled and created by the authors so its contents won't be duplicated elsewhere. Improve ideas for up to 4 players provide would-be actors with plenty of acting options.

5 comments about The Art of the Piano: Its Performers, Literature, and Recordings Revised and Expanded Edition.

1. A great book covering the history of piano playing by the great and near great. Altogether, a truly enjoyable book for those who love piano music and the pianists who have played it.



2. Art is an expression of the human spirit, a search for meaning, an interpretation of humanity, an adventure into transcendence, an insight into the mysteries of life, a deep personal reflection on life, a mystical experience, a valuable addition to universal culture - hopefully, a sublime and humbling human endeavour.
   
   The same goes for just about every form of artistic expression, be it creative or re-creative. We recognize value in the work of an artist because we admire their personal, insightful interpretation of being human, and because of their individuality, peculiarity, uniqueness of expression.
   
   Hence, I believe the art of piano and the art of pianists, for that matter, should be all of the above as expressed by means of this particular musical instrument, especially so where renown, life-long, devoted pianists are concerned. By virtue of their enduring dedication, their interpretations of compositions and composers become authoritative and consequently demand attention, interest and effort. Furthermore, the values prevailing in the historical period of the composition, not necessarily the current values of instant gratification, should also be of the essence to appreciate a pianist's interpretation.
   
   As authoritative interpreters of piano literature will put it, the art of interpreting is not just about playing the piano or "just being a piano player", to recall a specific quote. Such outstanding pianists should be appreciated in their own terms, within their own holistic conception of the music world, and preferably never compared with other pianists and certainly never against preconceived standards or tastes.
   
   Yet often (luckily not always) music critics tend to assess features of musicians' specific performances rather than the insights of their interpretations of works, to the extent to which these features conform to, or deviate from, preconceived norms, expectations or trends - ie. the prescribed ways music should be played these days in the minds of critics.
   
   This interference introduces completely unnecessary alien distortions in the notion of a work of art. Music lovers will be well advised to avoid this interference altogether by ignoring critics completely and simply listening to the music making instead. Or simply going and finding the artists' own words in their published writings and transcribed interviews.
   
   I wish a generation of music critics was born who went about their business describing the uniqueness and added value of outstanding musicians' contributions to universal art, appreciating the outcome of their highest devotion in life, rather than the mechanics of whether they adjust to the critic's preconceived styles, measurements and preferences.
   
   Despite its numerous excellent bits and pieces, I am afraid The Art of Piano, by David Dubal, is rather a typical example of a piece of critique which, in the final analysis, sets about measuring the extent to which pianists fulfill the writer's preferred patterns of how in his mind musical masterworks should be rendered, thus the critic becoming the authority in music.
   
   The lists of recommended recordings of particular compositions, which form a large section of this book, also seem to follow at times the same whimsical "wish list" approach, with due respect and reverence to the outstanding artists involved.
   
   The whole project seems to me a great pity. If I disagree with the overall approach taken and some of the boldest statements made about pianists I know and deeply care about - How can I rely on what is being said about other pianists in this book?
   
   For long now there has been a pressing need for more music critics able to appreciate the positive contributions to music, to the arts and to the human spirit made by outstanding musicians whose talents the world has come to recognize as monuments to the human spirit.
   
   Is musician-making or otherwise the unavoidable fate of a music critic? Can a music critic do better than this for the sake of the art of music?



3. and although Mr. Dubal is a recognized scholar of some repute, that talent does not include pencil drawings. His drawings of performers and composers are embarrasingly bad... and why did he think that Beethoven died with his wig on!?! That was a totally jarring drawing, but the overview of the great piano compositions are worth the price of the book.



4. This is a rich, passionately written, concise encyclopedia about great pianists and great piano composers. It includes brief but interesting biographical material, and astute critiques of the professional and creative apects of the artists lives. David Dubal absolutely loves music and has a profound, sensitive and clear understanding of it. The CD of classic recordings that is included in the back of this book is a fabulous compliment to a most useful guide and reference for all those who enjoy piano music.



5. I stopped playing piano 20 years ago and this book is so wonderful for refreshing my memory !! I love how the author first introduced the history of the piano before going into details of the keys and fingering. Sometimes, if you know the history of a subject, you begin to understand better why things are the way they are. - Rita, California

1 comments about Music Publishing 101.

1. A good solid guide with new and old information about success in the music industry. This guide doesn't spike in any area but is an overall excellent book covering al the aspects of music industry success. Starting from copyright issues to aggressive promoting and finishing with the management of funds this book has all the aspects explained in an easy structure and accessible language. I recommend this book for anyone that wants to start a career in music and doesn't have a clue about the insides of the industry .

3 comments about Acting Is Believing: A Basic Method.

1. Life is a stage and everyone is a performer and actor. If you want to understand yourself and possibly change behavior, this book is great. I have the first edition which I paid $$$ for. I am not an actor, but we all act a part when in front of people. If we want to portray some person with certain traits or characteristics which would benefit us, you can learn from this book. It is not being someone who you are not, but bringing out some behavior which is part of you anyway, which would positively benefit you.



2. If you need a good, step-by-step resource that outlines all of the basics you need to know to perform well, go ahead and buy this book. It is a little expensive, but it is worth it because no other book I have run across gives you such powerful basic methods to charge-up your acing skills when you are feeling a little confused about what you should/could be doing. Someone who follows the instructions in this book can literally transform from a clumsy actor to a basically skilled actor in about a week.



3. This is a fabulous book for novice actors! An absolute must for the beginner. Summurised in these pages you can find the teachings of the great masters of drama (such as the well known Stanislavski. It is very clear and easy to read and understand even for the complete beginners. On top of all the good advice and techinques you get a lot of exercises to practice what you've learnt till then. It really has helped me with my acting!

1 comments about Don't Just Applaud, Send Money: The Most Successful Strategies for Funding and Marketing the Arts.

1. This book is a very extensive list of quick tips on fund raising for theatre and arts organization. It presents brief and informative case studies on what organizations are doing to successfully appeal to different audiences, build relationships, and raise funds. While not all of the case studies will appeal to everyone, you should be able to find some that are applicable to your situation. Don't expect this to be a "how-to" guide for audience building and fund raising, rather a good book to use if you are brain-storming on different ideas that you can use in your situation.

5 comments about All His Jazz: The Life And Death Of Bob Fosse.

1. Bob Fosse, in this reader's opinion, is, besides the greatest director\choreography of musicals, the greatest choreographer that ever lived. His brilliant, simplistic style has entertained millions and has shown an inpact in current pop culture.
   Mr. Fosse himself was a fascinating man. A slightly short, mumbling chainsmoker, his many demons included alcohol, drugs, paranoia, sex and women. Mr. Gottfried lets us know about those demons. However, he gives interesting accounts of all of Fosse's work for stage and screen.
   This book is excellent, but to truly learn about the genius that was Bob Fosse, this reader recommends Mr. Fosse's autobiographical film "All That Jazz."



2. I'll tell you right off the top, I'm not a huge fan of Broadway musicals. Mostly I'm a fan of Fosse because of his films, which rank among my favorites. But regardless of any of that, Fosse's personality and his life make him a fascinating subject for biographical study.

   Gottfried's book is heavily detailed, describing the events of Fosse's life, exploring his work and his personal realtionships, and really getting inside the man's head, all the while maintaining a very readable, and appropriately jazzy style. There's also enough quoted dialogue to keep the book flowing almost like a work of fiction.

   A great read and an informative one. Highly recommended to fans of Fosse and his work, or those simply interested in one of the most intriguing of showbiz lives.




3. Maybe I'm biased: I'm a shrink. I lived in New York in the early 80's. I knew some of the people mentioned in the book. But this was the most fun I've had reading since Letters from a Nut. Full of tidbits about a raft of celebrities. Another reviewer complained about the lack of pictures. Why stop there? We need all the films, too. Must watch All That Jazz again ASAP, AND try to get my hands on Sweet Charity and Cabaret. A great ride!



4. The book is very thorough and does give a very accurate blow by blow description of every moment in Bob Fosse's life. If you love the man and want to relive his life for him, read this book. On the other hand, if you are trying to do a paper, you might want to start reading this about 6 months before your paper is due. It is very hard to weigh through the many, colorful words and facts in this book in any small amount of time. I will someday read this book for pleasure but right now, after only reading three chapters (though be very interesting), I am totally jazzed out! phew!



5. "All His Jazz" is compelling for the blow-by-blow account that it gives of Bob Fosse's unparalled career. It is probably one of the more comprehensive and insightful books about show business that has been written. The main problem with the book lies in his subject matter, which one would think would be untenable for a biography. Bob Fosse and those around him (with the exception of very few) come across as arrogant, self-centered, and certainly self-destructive. Hey, let's face it. Truth certainly can be stranger than fiction, but it kept me from really getting into the book on a personal level. I ended up angry more than sympathetic and incredulous more than intrigued. The other problem I had with the book is a noble one, but exposes the flaws all the same. There really are not enough photos to supplement the narrative. The only reason I say this is because so much attention is spent on the details of Fosse's career, that it is a shame there are so few photos representing his amazing stage career. We can all go rent the movies if we want to see what they are about, and it might not be a bad idea to watch "All That Jazz" (which, by the way, is one of my all time favorites) before picking up a copy of this book.

No comments about Great Producers: Visionaries of American Theater.

5 comments about Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Special Effects.

1. Great book for anyone who loves cinema, starwars or special effects.
   The whole history of George Luca's Industrial Light and Magic.



2. No one would ever have guessed that when Industrial Light & Magic opened its doors in Maren County that day way back in 1975 that they would produce the standard by which other special effects and other effects houses would be judged. ILM has formed the cornerstone of LucasFilm Ltd. a company that has spawned more spin-offs such as THX Sound, Skywalker Sound, all held neatly under the Lucas Digitial banner. Back in the days of Star Wars it was mostly using what was already known, and inventing everything else. ILM has been at the forefront ever since, from the early days of motion control cameras controlled by Apple computers the latest CG marvel like Galaxy Quest, Phantom Menace or Mission to Mars.

   The Art of Special Effects deals more with the older films-those before 1986, illustrating a time when computers were not so large a part in the film-making process. It gives the reader a great look at the sheer amount of detail that went into the models, the props, costumes from Star Wars to Explorers, from Raiders of the Lost Ark to the some of the Star Trek films, ILM constantly and consistently proven to innovative. The book as a whole is on a level lower than, say, Cinefex magazine, assuming that the reader doesn't know how blue screening and rotoscoping works or how miniatures are lensed. It is light reading without getting itself bogged down in too much technicality, for those who want that, read Cinefex.

   It also strikes me that this book is also best at presenting a dying era. A time when model makers kit bashed hundreds of plastic models just to build a Super Star Destroyer - few companies bother with that any more when everything can be rendered on a Silicon Graphics box and Maya and Soft Image software. Such films as Star Trek: Insurrection used few practical models and a completely CG Enterprise-E. The time of the supremely detailed, hand crafted model or set may be at an end, and I think the industry will be sadder for it. Partially because when I read Cinefex, a lot of what I see is the same-different movie, different space ship, but they're all rendered the same way and most use the same software, with only minor modifications or original code going into it to get a certain look or solve a certain problem.

   I suspect the Digital Realm of the movies, while producing better special effects, lacks the mystique of knowing that several people labored for months to build that model. That instead it was modeled by a few people over a period of a week. (Though it should be noted that a lot of films, including the Phantom Menace, used practical models). I suspect their days are number.




3. Thomas Smith was general manager of Industrial Light and Magic a year before he came to write this impressive book. The book is centred around the film special effects creations of ILM between 1975 and 1985. This includes the then "Star Wars" trilogy, two Indiana Jones movies and other lesser known projects. For the Star Wars fan theres plenty to learn about one of your favourite movies. This book is lavishly illustrated with full colour photos including triple page or gatefold images. The focus though is on how the effects are done and who did them at ILM. From the art work in developing concepts of storylines, through modelling, creature creation, the actual filming methods and matte image creation to the finishing touches of animation and optical compositing this book gives a gradual demonstration of the work of a special effects company. For someone with no knowledge what so ever of special effects this is a good introduction and to those involved it must be fascinating as well. As Thomas Smith points out, while film fans still love the movies from this era (1975-85), movie goers constantly seek new visions on screen. The digital era has brought movies like Toy Story etc but these were just figments of imagination at the writing of this book so its worth noting Thomas Smith's far-sightedness in the final chapter on digitized movies. The format of the book is to take each department of the special effects process and show what it does and where its part comes in the crafting of a movie. In each chapter there are short biographies of the leading people in each area of effects, this is a nice touch as it can serve as guide for those interested in getting involved. Its worth noting, many of those profiled have a long interest in their specialty going back to their youth and through the various twists and turns of working in an industry knew of other members of the ILM company before actually joining this now esteemed organisation. Thomas Smith by no means is setting out to sell ILM's considerable expertise though he tells the story of a company making dreams into reality, itself moving from an idea to a serious business proposition. (As a final note another book on movies of this period Paul Sammons "Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner" contains insightful descriptions about the crafting of a movie not least its special effects.)



4. Years ago I longed for this book, as it sat on the shelf in the local book store(it was not cheap). I received it with much gratitude on my birthday. Now as a teenager I found a reinterest in this book, and was overjoyed when the next book "into the digital realm" came out. For anyone who is captured by the magic of special effects, this is for you.



5. Pér tutti quelli che vogliono sapere come fanno i film, per tutti quelli che amano Star Wars con tutti i suoi segreti, direi che questo è il libro che fà propio al caso vostro.Scritto in un inglese molto facile è un libro che può veramente appassionare