In Search of Chopin (Dover Books on Music)

A tormented soul; a heart that would speak forever to countless millions looking for a way to speak from a heart imprisoned in marble; yearning to be free; yearning to find a place of peace in a foreign land.

I'm still reading this book, but it's so rich that it's like eating a chocolate souffle--I want to put my spoon down and savor it once in a while.I bought this book because I'm writing a short story involving a piece of Chopin's music, and I wanted to find out more about the composer. This book didn't disappoint, and it's filled with little-known facts and bits of correspondence from Chopin's far-too-short life. I find myself listening to his compositions with a new sense of wonder and appreciation, thanks to Cortot's labor of love.Anyone who enjoys Chopin or music in general should find this book fascinating and enlightening.

Alfred Cortot was an intensely thoughtful man. What I mean by that is he was focused and obsessive about understanding what he worked on, including the music of Chopin. He used every piece of information he could get his hands on to help him understand Chopin, to help him understand the music.Here he writes his most interesting findings, in a personal style that is engaging and readable.

Quite informative. Any lover of Chopin and his times will love this book!

Very good informationbook about the great composer chopin

Excellent look at some of the private monments in this great artist and composer!

Bought this for my son and he is very happy with the book. Item was delivered in a timely fashion..

Quite interesting if you ant to learn about the background to Chopin's composition and performance: his hands, his teaching techniques, correspondence about his work, Chopin and France, concerts, girl friends, etc. Given that Cortot was one of the great pianists of the 20th century, I had hope to discover his views on the works themselves and their performance: but there is nothing on these topics. I was disappointed and can only award a marginal three stars.

Obra indispensável para se entender melhor a música e a técnica pianística de Frederic Chopin, indicada não apenas para músicos e pianistas, mas para os admiradores do compositor polonês.