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ekfmef's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
A fun lighthearted book on classical music. The author's personal story makes it a worthwhile read, the basic information on classical music doesn't go very deep. There are some unexpected nice tangents about love letters - I hope the author's next book can dive deeply in the cool stories surrounding classical music!
whatever1441's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book. As someone who is plays classic music, I find this book refreshing as it tells about many of the worries and concerns I have about playing music. There are plenty anyone can learn from this book-not just those who play music themselves- and it shows in the careful way she crafted this book.
amihan_drt's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
since i used to play the violin this book was really relatable. makes classical music super accessible and breaks it down really well.
"it was so funny. the lines were banger. i laughed out loud."
"it was so funny. the lines were banger. i laughed out loud."
cyan_altaria's review against another edition
funny
informative
3.5
A comprehensive and funny guide to the world of classical music. Very informative, and the side story of the author's experience of working in the industry revealed a lot about the world of classical music today. I found it a bit unfocused. Also, I wasn't a fan of chapter 10, which detailed many famous composters and musicians love lives, which I wasn't a fan of. Then again, I'm not a fan of romance in general, so that might just be me. Ch. 10 aside, this book is wonderful and I highly recommend it.
gusreads's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.75
This book aims to be the Artcurious of the classical music world but fails miserably. Light on useful information it’s mostly about the author’s stunning sense of self importance plus desperate attempts to appear “cool” and “not a snob.” Insufferable and painful to get to the end.
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
dogearedtales's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a fun way to learn more about classical music. It's less of a microhistory or in depth analysis and more like meeting up with a friend of a friend who used to be a top classical musician.
The author gives her insights and advice about appreciating classical music woven through her memoir of becoming and ultimately leaving a career as a violinist. It is a fun and quick read, with hilarious footnotes of sassy asides. It really felt casual and personal and while I don't know that I grasped everything I do have a better understanding of classical music as well as far better appreciation for what it takes to become a professional musician. The author does a good job balancing the memoir and the tips/guide to classical music. Its fun to learn something from a well informed fan, but the author is also refreshingly honest about the parts of classical music that aren't great (both music and people) and didn't take the topic or herself too seriously.
It's a good welcome to people to anyone who wants to learn about classical music or see what it looks like to become a classical musician.
The author gives her insights and advice about appreciating classical music woven through her memoir of becoming and ultimately leaving a career as a violinist. It is a fun and quick read, with hilarious footnotes of sassy asides. It really felt casual and personal and while I don't know that I grasped everything I do have a better understanding of classical music as well as far better appreciation for what it takes to become a professional musician. The author does a good job balancing the memoir and the tips/guide to classical music. Its fun to learn something from a well informed fan, but the author is also refreshingly honest about the parts of classical music that aren't great (both music and people) and didn't take the topic or herself too seriously.
It's a good welcome to people to anyone who wants to learn about classical music or see what it looks like to become a classical musician.