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4.9 out of 5
97.50% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars Lengthy, well-written and enjoyable biography of Brahms
This is a long book – 636 pages of text in small font plus a lengthy introduction. Except for the first 15-20 years of Brahms’s life and the last few years, we get to know Brahms often month-by-month (sometimes week-by-week) with rarely more than a three month hiatus in the narrative. But the book is also immensely enjoyable to read. Swafford manages to convey this massive amount of information in a well-written easy-to-follow form with numerous double-spaced breaks within each chapter. It is an easy book to return to after a break in reading and, what’s more important, it’s a book to which you want to return.One of the advantages of this detail is that we get to experience the depth of the long-term relationship between Brahms and Clara Schumann. Swafford uses the letters of Brahms and Clara extensively and it would be hard to find a biography of any major historical figure that gives a more poignant and powerful portrait of a long-term loving relationship. As Brahms himself said near the end of his bachelor life, Clara was his only real friend. He had many other people who would normally be counted as friends, e.g., Josef Joachim and Theodor Billroth, whom he knew for decades but with whom he eventually broke. Clara was unique. Swafford details their caring and often tumultuous relationship and how the two of them, after even some serious disagreements, always came back to each other.Swafford also goes into some detail about several of Brahms’s works as they appeared throughout his life including his four symphonies. Readers with some musical background will find these enlightening. But for readers simply interested in the history of Western music the book is a gold mine about Brahms’s creative process, how his personal life was entangled with his composing, and how Brahms fit into the “War of the Romantics” in 19th century music. The book chronicles from Brahms’s point of view the 19th century development of and (as Brahms himself put it) the decline of the long Western musical tradition. It gives much food for thought whether one agrees with Brahms or not.If the reader has the time to invest in this lengthy biography, he or she will find it a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, and questions remain...
This is the most enjoyable book I've read (so far) in 2009. As an amateur pianist I've been witness to the glory that is Brahms (e.g. shorter piano works; "veiled symphonies", as Robert Schumann referred to some of Brahms' piano compositions). This thoroughly researched yet non-technical (not too much to get in the way of a layperson's enjoyment) book brought to life not only this great man, but the dying age that he lived in. To understand how this person, from such humble beginnings could, in his 20s, be anointed the next Beethoven by Schumann, and go on to fulfill that prophesy "in the tramp of giants" is a story to behold, and Mr. Swafford does an excellent job. To also understand that Brahms destroyed so much of his work, yet so much remains, is also to give us a sense of the prodigious genius of this great master. And his gift with words (letters to Clara, friends, colleagues) reminds us that he was no less capable in that craft.However, in my mind questions remain. Although I respect the author's restraint from speculating about Brahms' romantic relationships, I find it hard to believe that he would have only taken inspiration 'figuratively' from the many women who loved and admired him from within his social circles only to find 'fulfillment' in the brothels. As good as Brahms was in protecting his privacy, I think there's more here than meets the eye, and a separate thesis from some music or psychology phD candidate into the sexual psychology of Brahms (speculation and all) could at the very least prove entertaining.I don't agree with the author's assessment that Brahms was a misogynist. His early experiences (or not) playing in the waterfront bars may have shaped his attitude toward women, but too many examples of him helping women in their careers and his 'affairs of the heart' lead me to conclude that he was an 'equal opportunity abuser', in that he could be ruthless regardless of gender (he could also be very kind and generous). Such may be the curse of genius, having those of us from below pigeonholing an eagle.My other nits include a bit of redundancy in the book, but forgivable due to its length. What is less forgivable is the use of German terms that are only defined once within the text, and no glossary for them (and they are referred to frequently). Not easy to find in a 700 page book over the course of some weeks of reading (write them down as you go is my advice). I had planned to deduct a star for these nits, but in the end the overall enjoyment of the book trumps all.Again, a wonderful book about a great genius, composer and man, in the context of a golden age that's on its last legs. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. Enjoy.
5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any Brahms lover.
This accounting of Brahms life is an interesting read. In depth knowledge of this very maligned composer sheds light, as best can be inferred 170 years later. The author recounts what he feels as defining a look into Johannes private life, which I find much less relevant than how his composition education affected his ability to eclipse all composers since his time. His honoring of the composers and forms of the past are reflected in his compositions so all are given continued life while showing how one can be original and progressive while building those forms on a much more firm and permanent foundation. Popular kitch it was not then or now, just pure music for all ages. Great historic pictures are a treat for the eyes. Listen to the works of this super ultimate composer while you read, it sets the tone for understanding the life of a very private giant.
Excellent biography
A very good account of Brahms' life and of his music. Intelligently written and perceptive about a complex man and his complex psychology.
Avaliação
Gostei muito. Valeu a pera! Recomendo.
Important: quality of product low
At the price it was offered, the book had too many pages improperly bound, so during reading pages have been coming out lose. Shocking 😯
Admirable biography
Swafford's book was purchased because his later biography of Beethoven is already a valued item in my library. I was not disappointed. As with tge Beethoven, Swafford integrates life and works, with highly perceptive contributions on both. The index is useful because you can home in on individual works.Second hand but in very good condition.
Exhaustive
A complete biography able to cover all sides of Brahms: musical, cultural, historical and domestic. Nothing less than all, nothing to add.
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Johannes Brahms: A Biography
BHD13670
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