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Mysterious and Magical
Intimate Conversations: Face to Face with Matchless Musicians crafts a mosaic of musical insight, capturing the personal journeys, philosophies, and artistic wisdom of composers, conductors, instrumentalists, and vocalists. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was important to write this book to capture and convey that “mosaic” so generously stated in the question, to my readers to draw them into the world of classical music to experience its joy and enhancement of life to mitigate the genre’s current loss of audience.
I hope that it will find a home in musical and regular libraries, including the Library of Congress, musical, historical, and other associations, symphony orchestras, museums, and other appropriate institutions. I might also add that the nature of the book makes it not only one to be read for pleasure, but also appropriate as a course or reference work to be used as a teaching tool in college and earlier, not only focused on music directly, but also as music and musicians relate to the values of Western culture. To that end, I refer to its general index, easily navigable to all the book’s topics, by all academics whether teachers, students, or researchers.
What were some ideas it was important for you to share in this book?
It was my goal in this book to…
Dispel the notion that to approach and listen to classical music is difficult.
Show that classical musicians are folks with the same issues and problems as the rest of us, and are friendly and open to sharing their experiences with us.
Inspire the idea that classical music, and all music really, is the most mysterious and magical of the arts having the ability to reach so deep into our hearts and souls that it can be said music is not simply about life, but is life itself.
Demonstrate that one can accomplish writing a serious book on an important subject as a nonagenarian, and to inspire other oldsters to persist in accomplishing their goals, whatever they may be, at any age, and whenever they arise.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
I was surprised that it seems there is no other book like this book, written by a person with nil music education conversing intimately with accomplished musicians about their lives from the prosaic to the profound, and their art in non-technical language understandable to all. I have been further surprised by the total approbation in the many reviews of this book by the lay and professional reviewers alike. I thought it was a good book, but what a wonderful surprise to be told it is much more than that!
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Intimate Conversations?
I hope readers will be moved to listen to music with a reinvigorated appreciation of its power to change their lives for the good, and to provide beautiful sound to them to alleviate the discordant emotions aroused in us in these troubled times.
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Music has existed as long as there have been people to listen. It takes on many forms and is many things, providing entertainment, emotion, storytelling, and most of all, magic for all who hear.
In revealing and genuine interviews, Larry Ruttman converses with world-renowned musicians of the 21st century and engages them in an approachable manner. Dive into the recesses of their minds to discover the influences and inspiration behind classical music and other popular genres such as pop, jazz, folk, Americana, and many other genres impacting today’ s musical culture.
Perfect for dedicated fans, determined students, and the casually interested listener to music of all genres, Intimate Conversations: Face to Face with Matchless Musicians is sure to inspire, fascinate, and entertain.
Intimate Conversations: Face to Face with Matchless Musicians
Larry Ruttman’s Intimate Conversations contains deep and personal discussions with some of the most extraordinary musicians of our time. Through one-on-one interviews, Ruttman crafts a mosaic of musical insight, capturing the personal journeys, philosophies, and artistic wisdom of composers, conductors, instrumentalists, and vocalists. The book isn’t just about music, it’s about the people behind it, their struggles, inspirations, and lifelong relationships with sound. From John Harbison’s reflections on Bach to Susan Graham’s vivid description of performing Mahler’s Third Symphony, these conversations are raw, revealing, and refreshingly unscripted.
What I loved most about Intimate Conversations was how Ruttman allows the musicians to speak for themselves. These are organic, sometimes surprising exchanges. Take Ran Blake, for example. A jazz pianist with a mind that leaps from one thought to another like a free-flowing solo, his conversation feels like a musical improvisation in itself. His thoughts on performing and dreaming while playing are some of the most fascinating in the book. Then there’s Anne-Sophie Mutter, a violinist of global fame, who remains humble and deeply connected to her work. Her discussion about the emotional weight of her music and her charitable work gives us a glimpse into the heart behind the virtuosity.
Another standout moment comes from Ruttman’s conversation with Benjamin Zander, a conductor whose enthusiasm for classical music is infectious. His discussion of how he brings out the best in young musicians feels almost like a TED Talk, full of energy, passion, and a bit of humor. I also appreciated Ruttman’s own presence in these conversations. He asks tough questions, and his warmth and curiosity encourage interviewees to dig deeper. This is especially evident in his talk with John Harbison, where they explore the very nature of composition and musical creativity.
The book’s structure can feel a bit sprawling. There are so many voices, so many ideas, that it’s sometimes overwhelming. But that’s also part of its charm. It’s a book best enjoyed in pieces, allowing each interview to sink in before moving to the next.
Intimate Conversations is a must-read for music lovers, musicians, and anyone who enjoys a good behind-the-scenes story. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or just someone who enjoys hearing creative minds at work, this book offers something special. These are real, honest conversations with some of the best musicians in the world.
Pages: 624 | ASIN : B0DBJ7MPJS
Mozart Blooms in Woodstock
Anita Whalen’s Mozart Blooms in Woodstock is a grand, inspiring memoir about her journey from her early life as a piano enthusiast to a fulfilling career in arts management. The book emphasizes the value of embracing passion, determination, and unforeseen opportunities. It depicts an early fascination with music and her path to a remarkable career as the Artistic and General Director of the Woodstock Mozart Festival in Illinois. Readers get behind-the-scenes look at the classical music world, as well as follow the author’s brilliant management skills. In these intriguing anecdotes, she skillfully combines personal experiences, historical context, and intricate details that fully capture her sensational musical journey.
Unlike memoirs that beat around the bush and leave you feeling bored, Anita’s writing is straight to the point and void of irrelevant details. Her musical journey and recounts of meetings with noteworthy personalities are a dream come true for music lovers like me. You will meet several amazing personalities in the book, and Anita makes sure to point out their peculiarities. Lori Babinec, the Personnel Manager and Principal Bassoonist in the orchestra, is portrayed as “highly efficient and accurate” in her role.
You’re bound to learn a thing or two from the author’s comprehensive memoir. She shares helpful details about her job search, her management duties, and her other roles over the years. Her ability to balance budgets and allocate resources efficiently helped in the success of her projects, including the Woodstock Mozart Festival. She mentions using strategies like up-selling and learning from others to increase ticket sales.
I learned a lot about classical music and managing music festivals from the book. Additionally, reading the book is a joy, as it is filled with a lovely aesthetic with carefully crafted designs. Every classical music fan will love Mozart Blooms in Woodstock since its epic projects and references to musical legends will remind them why they fell in love with the genre. What a beautiful contribution to the world of classical music. As a former pianist, I can’t wait to get back to playing, thanks to this wonderful book!
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0C5YMDQR1
LITERARY TITAN 