Books classical musician biography
Beethoven: Letters, Journals and Conversations.
Mozart: A Life in Letters.!
5 Great Memoirs by Classical Musicians
Every Good Boy Does Fine
by Jeremy Denk
About the book
There are few memoirs that have moved me as deeply as Every Good Boy Does Fine.
In this exquisitely written book, renowned pianist Jeremy Denk traces his life in a love letter to music and to the many instructors who formed him into the pianist he is today. “Famous teachers and accomplishments appear in his story, but he focuses on the everyday—the neighborhood teacher, high school orchestra, local conductor.
He shares the truth about the trials of artistic practice—hours of daily repetition, mystifying advice, pressure from parents and teachers.” More importantly, he shares the most meaningful lessons of his life, and tries to repay a debt to his teachers.
And he reminds us that “we must never stop asking questions about music and its purposes: consolation, an armor against disillusionment, pure pleasure, a diversion, a refuge, and a vehicle for empathy.”
Favorite quote