"Wonderful compilation" -- Henry Fogel, Dean, Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University; former president, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, American Symphony Orchestra League
"An enjoyable read, and a great conversation starter." -- James McCarthy, Limelight magazine, Australia
"...for those seeking to shake up their listening habits and explore musical rarities -- Opera America
A sequel, volume two. Some 90 composers profiled. Special chapter by pianist, conductor, Sir Andras Schiff.
I will let you in on a little secret. The classical world is prejudiced. If it's not Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, (or maybe Bartók), some, most? think it's inferior by definition, and not worthy of the attention.
I know whereof I speak, everyone of us who prefer classical has some degree of symptoms, even if subclinical. Yes, even your humble author. But after having my mind opened a bit, to the assertion of inferiority, we now must invoke the Zen saying, "Not always so."
So, to ameliorate the situation, I set off for musical parts unknown, seeking out obscure composers, those rarely or never heard, and lo and behold, got a set of music to enjoy perhaps 10 times larger than before.
I share my findings with you to encourage the shaking off of moribund listening habits, the dross and calcium that impacts one's brain after decades of listening to only the top 50 classical pieces, and refresh and reinvigorate your mind and spirit.
You will also learn the answers to the following questions:
NAME THAT COMPOSER THE OBSCURE COMPOSERS (2) QUIZ: 1. Third movement of his symphonic work is titled "Orgy." .
2. A notable music critic said this 20th century Russian composer wrote "music for the end of music."
3. For extra credit, who was the critic?
4. The top 5 composers (in terms of recordings) all spoke this language. Source: The Obscure Composers Index(TM).
5. His oratorio covers four opus numbers, and takes three days to perform.
6. This late bloomer was a major influence on "Les Six."
7. Name "Les Six."
8. Janos Hunyadi was a 15th century Hungarian military leader who defended Europe against Turkish invaders. The Pope called him "Christ's Champion." Name three 19th century Europeans who wrote music in tribute to him.
9. Name one additional 20th century composer who also wrote a tribute to Hunyadi.
10. This medieval composer was also a theologian, mystic, traveling evangelist, natural scientist, herbalist, healer, and counselor to the Holy Roman Emperor himself.
11. In 1198 the Pope prohibited the near-blasphemous Feast of Fools and suggested instead listening to works of this composer.
12. Legend has it that this composer was kidnapped for the sake of his beautiful voice.
13. He wrote the theme music for Eurovision, a popular pan-European song contest, some 300 years in advance!
14. He was variously a composer, opera company manager, court physician, diplomat, administrator
15. His music theory tome influenced Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.
16. This harp composer and manufacturer drowned himself in the Seine after his wife ran off.
17. First a composer for keyboard, then a musical theorist, this French composer turned to writing operas at 50.
18. Guitar is almost exclusively associated with Spain, but name the preeminent French baroque master of the instrument.
19. Classical composer and chess master.
20. His Symphony No. 6 was subtitled: "Historically different in style and taste, 4 periods"
21. The forgotten man of 20th century Russian music, he wrote 27 symphonies.
22. His students included Fritz Reiner, Sir Georg Solti, Antal Dorati, Eugene Ormandy, cellist Janos Starker, pianist Gyorgy Sebok, and members of the Lehner, Magyar, and Bartók quartets, among others.
(More questions in the book.)
About the Author: John A. Sarkett has written and/or published a number of titles on music history, motivation, spirituality, and finance. See sarkett.com.
