A Life in Music

Daniel Barenboim has been in the front row of the best musicians of the last quarter of the XX century and the beginning of the XXI. This book not only reflect his 'memoires' as a child prodigy, but his parallel upbringing as a pianist and conductor.But the most interesting parts in this book are the analysis of music by Barenboim. His personal view of the meaning of music and music making make this a delightful document for anyone interested in classical music. This includes his views on harmony, tempo, orchestra balance, expression and many other topics.Another aspect that I found captivating in this book were the anecdotes and stories of another musicians. The view of Barenboim about other conductors and his reflections on the sound and characteristics of different orchestras is invaluable to any music lover.And in this document we have also the view of this conductor in the process of setting up operas in different houses, and with different stage directors and singers, which are a bonus to opera lovers, like me.Finally we have in this book some of Barenboim's concerns about the future of Arab - Israeli relationships and his personal quest to bring some mutual understanding to these peoples. This efforts, which gave life to de West East Divan Orchestra, and earned Barenboim and his friend, the late American - Palestinian author Edward Said, the Prince of Asturias Award for Peace Efforts (Concordia) in 2002.

I am so thankful for special friends who introduced me to this amazing man's music, which led me to wanting to know more about him. . .I volunteer in a local library. They didn't have this book, but were able to get it for me from a nearby library. What an amazing story! I had to have a copy of my own. What an amazing man! I wish I could meet him. . .so gifted and yet so humble, and so anxious to learn from all those many special musicians he came in contact with throughout his life. I loved the book, and am now sharing it with others who love music.

Barenboim writes as a pianist and conductor who has worked with many of the greatest musicians of the last century and provides remarkable insights into musical performance such as only a conductor and instrumentalist of the highest rank can offer. He was married to a very great musician, Jacqueline Dupre and his description of her gifts is fitting and apt. He describes her as a true force of nature with musical talents of a kind that are very rarely found. Having watched them perform in Philadelphia in 1970 I waited through several chapters for her to appear and when she did I liked what I read. His admiration for great conductors such as Sir John Barbirolli and Otto Klemperer is very well expressed and among his most interesting insights are the effects of Berlioz's use of the orchestra on later composers including Wagner.I highly recommend this book.

The book takes the reader on a journey through Daniel Barenboim's life, from child prodigy to world-class musician. However, as a pianist myself, the one thing I remember most, after reading the book, can be found on the bottom of page 6, spilling over to the top of page 7: "..I was never made to practise scales or arpeggios..My father's teaching was based on the belief that there are enough scales in Mozart's concertos.." No doubt Mr. Barenboim is subtly suggesting that technical exercises for the fingers - such as the aforementioned scales and arpeggios - as well as other finger exercises are of little value in the development of finger dexterity. I have approached three other pianists (two of them of international renown and one of them a personal acquaintance of Mr. Barenboim and his father) to ask their opinion of Mr. Barenboim's suggestion. So far not one them thinks that the Maestro is being completely honest in his revelations..

Barenboim embodies a rare combination of qualities: an absolutely first-rate musical talent, a thinking mind, and courage in following his conscience. He deeply understands and has an instinctive feel for music but is also aware that music does not exist in a vacuum--it is part of human society and history. I know of no other classical musician who combines the rare qualities Barenboim possesses. I greatly admire his courage in taking unpopular stands. Like his friend Edward Said he is an artist and a lover of music who is not afraid to speak out against injustice.

The book is both very interesting and well written. It gives an image of the very complex personality of Daniel Barenboim and his life and love of music.

have not had the opportunity to read the book yet as i gave it as a gift to a friend who is a Barenboim fan and she thought it was fantastic. She gave me a copy (!) and I will be reading it as soon as i can.

Rather impersonal--maybe he did not want to offend anyone. Still, a ncie story of his life up to 1992