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The Robert Shaw Reader
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| List Price: | $45.00 |
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Product Description
The letters are an invigorating mix of music history and analysis, philosophy, inspiration, and practical advice. Shaw examines technique, but only as a means to an end—he moves beyond that, delving into the essence of what music is and what it has to say to us. The heart of the book is composed of Shaw’s previously unpublished notes on fifteen major choral works, ranging from Bach’s B Minor Mass to Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms.
Often inspiring and sometime hilarious, these writings reveal the full breadth of Shaw’s knowledge, intensity, and humor.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #296083 in Books
- Published on: 2004-10-11
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Hardcover
- 480 pages
Editorial Reviews
Review
"I can't remember a time when I didn't know and revere Robert Shaw. The best of 20th century choral musicianship was to be found in him, and I am delighted that he now lives again in these pages for a new generation to discover and enjoy."—Peter J. Gomes, Harvard University
“A significant book—making available in print the musical insights of arguably the preeminent choral conductor America has produced."—Milburn Price, former president of the American Choral Directors Association
From the Inside Flap
"The Robert Shaw Reader is a wonderful collection of the beliefs, the frustrations, the celebrations, the analyses and philosophies of this great figure of American choral music. His profound thoughts provide a unique exploration into a brilliant yet complex musical mind. In circumstances where most choral conductors will try to convey so much through non-verbal communication, Robert Shaw was a master of the written word."--Paul Salamunovich, Music Director Emeritus of the Los Angeles Master Chorale
"I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know and revere Robert Shaw. The best of 20th century choral musicianship was to be found in him, and I am delighted that he now lives again in these pages for a new generation to discover and enjoy."--Peter J. Gomes, Harvard University
"A significant book--making available in print the musical insights of arguably the preeminent choral conductor America has produced."--Milburn Price, former president of the American Choral Directors Association
About the Author
Robert Blocker is the Lucy and Henry Moses Dean of the Yale School of Music.
Customer Reviews
Great book
I had to buy this book for my advanced choral conducting class - and we're assigned just a few passages to read out of it - just reading those few passages has made me want to read the entire thing - Robert Shaw comes across as intelligent but quirky and humorous. I'm enjoying it so far.
Robert Shaw - rehearsal genius
The book is an invaluable collection of Mr. Shaw's excellent rehearsal techniques, including his "building block" approach to learning new music. It's pedagogically sound. Another interesting section recounts his letters to his choirs about poor rehearsal attendance, tardiness, unexcused absences, etc. It was so gratifying to find out that the greatest choir director of the 20th century had many unfaithful attenders. Several of his Atlanta Symphony Chorus members failed to attend a full concert with the orchestra, in order to hear Pavarotti sing the same night!!! Shaw was furious. Every choir director should read this book.
Must Buy
This book is a must buy, if for nothing else, than for his analysis of some famous pieces. His analysis of the War Requiem is nothing short of awe inspiring. This man was one in a billion in terms of his thought process of music, and this book is a road map to greatness in choral conducting.
