Reviews

Béla Bartók by David Cooper

doriastories's review

3.0

Oof, I need a huge glass of water after finishing this book, it is that dry. Yes, it is loaded with information, facts, and plenty of handy musical examples (much appreciated, especially to supplement listening). I won't stoop so low as to criticize the utter lack of photographs, but the musical analyses are so turgid and minutely cross-examined as to be virtually impenetrable and, sadly, useless for most lay readers, even those who have a solid musical background. My husband, a seasoned composer and composition professor in possession of both a masters and doctoral degree in music, shook his head over many of them. I found them to be largely impenetrable, with a few points of illumination.

I salute the diligent research, the painstaking analytical work, and the sheer devotion to a great master. I regret the uninviting style and tone, more appropriate for a text book than a general usage biography.