Editorial Reviews
Review
Berlioz's humor is solidly based on deeply serious groundwork, so readers will find as much to ponder here as to enjoy. The translation is faithful to Berlioz's words and his tone. All in all, a joy. CHOICE ForeWord Magazine selected this title as one of it's Big Ten Picks from University Presses for 2003!
Book Description
Hector Berlioz's Les Grotesques de la musique is the only one of his books that has never been translated into English in its entirety. It is by far 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. Alastair Bruce's fluid translation brings to life this important composer and bon vivant. He does a wonderful job of conveying all the puns, jokes, and invective of Berlioz's prose as well as the nuances of his stories. He even imitates a Tahitian accent in the translation, as Berlioz 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 Berlioz'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. Alastair Bruce is a London-based management consultant and former treasurer of the Berlioz Society. Hugh Macdonald is General Editor of New Berlioz Edition.
The Musical Madhouse : English Translation of Berlioz's Les Grotesques de la musique (Eastman Studies in Music),Hector Berlioz,Alastair Bruce,Hugh Macdonald,University of Rochester Press,1580461824,Genres & Styles - International,History & Criticism - General,Music,Music / History & Criticism
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