Synopses & Reviews
Informed by a wealth of information that has come to light in recent years, this engaging biography tells the complete story of the life and musical work of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). Drawing on Sibeliusand#8217;s own correspondence and diaries, contemporary reviews, and the remarks of family and friends, the book presents a rich account of the events of the musicianand#8217;s life. In addition, this volume is the first to set every work and performable fragment by Sibelius in its historical and musical context. Filling a significant gap, the biography also provides the first accurate information about much of the composerand#8217;s early music.
Writing for the general music-lover, Andrew Barnett combines his own extensive knowledge of Sibeliusand#8217;s music with the insights of other scholars and musicians. He lays to rest a number of myths and untruthsand#8212;that Sibelius wrote no chamber music of value, for example, and that he stopped composing in 1926 and didnand#8217;t need to compose to earn a living. Barnett completes the volume with the most thorough worklist available and an authoritative chronology of Sibeliusand#8217;s entire output.
Review
"Andrew Barnett is unfailingly perceptive and has the ability to engage the interest of both the less informed and the more expert reader. Few would be better qualified to undertake a new book on the Finnish master."and#8212;Robert Layton, author of
Sibelius (Master Musicians Series)
Review
"A book of great importance: a fresh, evenhanded account of the composer, especially of his early years. . . . A welcome antidote to the seesaw of critical attention from uncritical admirers and excessively harsh critics. . . . Highly recommended."and#8212;Choice
Review
and#8220;Barnett neatly dispels other myths, explaining how from around 1930 to his death, Sibelius completed briefer works while striving, unsuccessfully, to complete his Eighth Symphony. . . . A warmly humanizing, informed biography.and#8221;--Benjamin Ivry,
The Newark Star-Ledgerandnbsp;
Synopsis
Informed by a wealth of information that has come to light in recent years, this engaging biography provides the fullest account of the significant achievement of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). Drawing on Sibelius's correspondence and diaries, contemporary reviews, and the remarks of family and friends, the book presents a rich account of the events of the musician's life. In addition, this volume is the first to set every work and performable fragment by Sibelius in its historical and musical context, and provides the first accurate information about much of the composer's early music. Andrew Barnett, who studied at Worcester College, Oxford, is founder and chairman of the UK Sibelius Society. He is project advisor to BIS Records' Complete Sibelius Edition and has advised and written extensively for the International Sibelius Festival in Lahti.
Synopsis
The most balanced and complete biography of Sibelius to date, published on the 50th anniversary of the great composer's death
Informed by a wealth of information that has come to light in recent years, this engaging biography tells the complete story of the life and musical work of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). Drawing on Sibelius's own correspondence and diaries, contemporary reviews, and the remarks of family and friends, the book presents a rich account of the events of the musician's life. In addition, this volume is the first to set every work and performable fragment by Sibelius in its historical and musical context. Filling a significant gap, the biography also provides the first accurate information about much of the composer's early music.
Writing for the general music-lover, Andrew Barnett combines his own extensive knowledge of Sibelius's music with the insights of other scholars and musicians. He lays to rest a number of myths and untruths--that Sibelius wrote no chamber music of value, for example, and that he stopped composing in 1926 and didn't need to compose to earn a living. Barnett completes the volume with the most thorough worklist available and an authoritative chronology of Sibelius's entire output.
About the Author
Andrew Barnett is founder and chairman of the UK Sibelius Society. He lives in Brighton, England.