Book Review
Dec. 18th, 2012 10:26 pmThe Life of Berlioz
by Peter Bloom
This biography makes a nice counterpoint to Berlioz' Memoirs, and gives a much more balanced and full picture of the composer and his work. While the Memoirs concentrate more on Berlioz' struggles, failures, and frustrations and are rather dramatic and sometimes over the top, Bloom's book even-handedly focuses more on Berlioz' musical achievements and professional successes. What emerges is a more satisfying portrait of a hard-working, creative, original composer who was more consummate, sensitive, and talented than tortured and misunderstood.
by Peter Bloom
This biography makes a nice counterpoint to Berlioz' Memoirs, and gives a much more balanced and full picture of the composer and his work. While the Memoirs concentrate more on Berlioz' struggles, failures, and frustrations and are rather dramatic and sometimes over the top, Bloom's book even-handedly focuses more on Berlioz' musical achievements and professional successes. What emerges is a more satisfying portrait of a hard-working, creative, original composer who was more consummate, sensitive, and talented than tortured and misunderstood.