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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
inspiring
slow-paced
My enjoyment of this book was elevated by listening to the pieces listed at the beginning of each chapter and following along with the author's interpretations and explanations. I took piano lessons for almost 10 years with music theory and this book made me realize just how much I don't know about classical music. While I've seen several reviews claim this book as pretentious or condescending, I didn't really get that vibe from the author, and it seems rather a result of the people in the world of professional classical musicians (I guess the depictions in the movie Tar were spot on).
Some new discovered faves:
Brahms Piano Trio No. 1 in B major Op 8
Mendelssohn Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major Op 69
Mendelssohn Sonata No. 2 in D major Op 58
Some new discovered faves:
Brahms Piano Trio No. 1 in B major Op 8
Mendelssohn Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major Op 69
Mendelssohn Sonata No. 2 in D major Op 58
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I get the impression that Denk is one of those brilliant, tortured creative-types who probably spends a lot of time being unhappy/unfulfilled in life. Liked the annotated playlist at the end.
This book is probably more 3.5 than 4, but his writing about music is divine, and this memoir heartbreakingly honest.
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Beautifully written autobiography of a concert pianist, particularly focused on his studies. I recommend the audio version where Denk plays musical examples!