The musical madhouse = Les grotesques de la musique / Hector Berlioz ; translated and edited by Alastair Bruce ; with an introduction by Hugh Macdonald.

Author/creator Berlioz, Hector
Other author Bruce, Alastair, 1947- editor, translator.
Format Book
Publication InfoRochester, NY : University of Rochester Press, 2003.
Descriptionxxiv, 239 pages : illustrations, music ; 24 cm.
Subjects
Music--Anecdotes.
Music--Humor.
Paris (France)--Intellectual life. --19th century.

Uniform titleGrotesques de la musique. English
SeriesEastman studies in music
Eastman studies in music. ^A494093
Contents Introduction / Hugh Macdonald -- Letter from the Chorus of the Opéra to the author -- The author's reply to the Chorus of the Opéra -- The right to play a symphony in the wrong key -- A crowned virtuoso -- A new musical instrument -- The regiment of colonels -- A cantata -- A programme of grotesque music -- Is it a joke? -- The evangelist of the drum -- The apostle of the flageolet -- The prophet of the trombone -- Conductors -- Appreciators of Beethoven -- The Sontag version -- You can't dance in E -- Kissed by Rossini -- A clarinet concerto -- Musical instruments at the Universal Exhibition -- A rival to Érard -- Diplomatic correspondence: Letter addressed to H.M. Aïmata Pomaré, Queen of Tahiti -- Prudence and sagacity of a provincial: Alexandre's melodium -- The tromba marina, the saxophone, experts in instrumentation -- Jaguarita: female savages -- The Astucio family -- Marriages of convenience -- Great news -- More news -- Barley sugar: heavy music -- The evil eye -- Ordinary music lovers and serious music -- Lamentations of Jeremiah -- A model critic -- Dramatic emphasis -- Success of a Miserere -- The season: the bugbears' club -- Minor irritations of major concerts -- 20 francs per ticket -- War on flats -- Scientific correspondence. Plombières and Baden, 1st letter ; Plombières and Baden, 2nd letter -- Aural aberrations and delusions -- Philosophical correspondence: a letter to Monsieur Ella -- The débutante: the Director of the Opéra's despotism -- The song of cockerels, the cockerels of song -- Sparrows -- Music for laughs -- National fatuities (Castigat ridendo mores) -- Ingratitude shows an independent spirit -- The futility of glory -- Madame Lebrun -- Time spares nothing -- The rhythm of pride -- A remark of Monsieur Auber -- Music and dance -- Dancer poets -- Another remark of Monsieur Auber -- Concerts -- Nelson's bravery -- Grotesque prejudices -- Non-believers in musical expressiveness -- Mme. Stoltz and Mme. Sontag: making millions -- The rough and the smooth -- Dilettanti of the fashion world: the poet and the cook -- Orange gloves: the acorn and the pumpkin -- "Duckings" -- Sensitivity and concision: a funeral oration in three syllables -- Travels in France. Academic correspondence. First letter, Marseilles -- Second letter, Lyons -- A day later -- Third letter, Lille, Arras -- All's well that ends merrily.
Abstract This book is the first complete translation into English of the author's Les Grotesques de la musique. It is the funniest of all his works, and consists of a number of short anecdotes, witticisms, open letters, and comments on the absurdities of concert life. The editor's translation brings to life this important composer and bon vivant. He does a wonderful job of conveying all the puns, jokes, and invective of the composer's prose as well as the nuances of his stories. He even imitates a Tahitian accent in the translation, as the composer does in the original. The notes will give the reader insight into the innuendos and in-jokes that fill the pages. This translation will take its place among other translations of the author's prose writings, bringing to the reader more lively examples of a still misunderstood composer caught up in the musical life of mid-nineteenth century Paris.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 215-218) and index.
LCCN 2003001049
ISBN1580461328 (alk. paper)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML65 .B4513 2003 ✔ Available Place Hold