Sir Thomas Beecham : the man and the music / Alan Blackwood.
| Author/creator | Blackwood, Alan, 1932- author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | London : Ebury Press, 1994. |
| Copyright Date | ©1994 |
| Description | ix, 237 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : portraits ; 24 cm |
| Subjects |
| Series | Robert Morris collection Robert Morris collection. UNAUTHORIZED |
| Abstract | Memories and anecdotes of Thomas Beecham abound, but no complete account of his life's work has been written until now. The last great amateur, Beecham was also a charismatic and autocratic impresario and conductor of a kind that could hardly exist today. With his supreme gifts, his flair and his energy, backed by an inherited forture, he gained a central position in British musical life which he was to hold for nearly sixty years. During this time, he created four orchestras, two of them of world class, formed opera companies, worked closely with the Diaghilec Opera and Ballet company, and was artistic director at Covent Garden form 1932 until the outbreak of war. Abroad, too, his influence was strong, with his activities bringing him into cantact with nearly every great musical figure of his times. Beecham vigorously championed the music of Mozart, being largely responsible for the revival of interest in him after long years of neglect. He performed a similar service for Handel and Berlioz. Among his contemporaried he promoted the mmusic of Richard Strauss, starting in 1910 with the sensational British premieres of Elektra and Salome, and of Sibelius. And he provided endless support for the musical genius of Frederick Delius, forging close ties of friendship with him along the way. A man who knew how to enjoy life - his characteristic huge cigar exemplufying his sense of style - Beecham above all communicated in his performances his immense pleasure in music-making. This detailed chronicle of his career confirms his commanding place in British musical life, and also reveals the big part he played on the international scene through so much of this turbulent century. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 223-225) and index. |
| Issued in other form | Online version: Blackwood, Alan, 1932- Sir Thomas Beecham. London : Ebury, 1994 |
| ISBN | 0091784344 |
| ISBN | 9780091784348 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk | ML422.B33 B54 1994 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |