Maestro Daniel Barenboim
Maestro Daniel Barenboim

‘IN THE BEGINNING WAS SOUND’

The book, which is based on five BBC talks, is Maestro Daniel Barenboim’s views on music after over 60 years as a world-class pianist and conductor in the profession. The talks are entitled: ‘In the Beginning was Sound’ in which he examines the physical phenomenon of sound; ‘The Neglected Sense’ in which he examines what he calls “the neglected sense” – the ear; ‘The Magic of Music’ in which he argues that classical music is not an exclusive language. It can be accessible to all; ‘Meeting in Music’ in which he examines how music has the power to bring people together; and ‘The Power of Music’ in which he explores the power that music has over us. He considers the difference between power and strength in music, and in life.

He also finds time to talk about his loathing of ‘muzak’, and the difficulties he has faced in performing the music of Richard Wagner in the State of Israel.

Each talk ends with Questions to Maestro Barenboim posed by distinguished musicians and academics from a wide range of disciplines, and is accompanied by copious Notes, which keep you fully informed throughout.

The 138-page and cover book is completed with contributions from the conductor, Sir Andrew Davis; the lyricist, Sir Richard Stilgoe OBE DL; the composer, Anthony Payne; the BBC Radio 3 presenter, Rob Cowan; the poets Jade Cuttle and Sue Leigh (winners of the 2014 BBC Proms Poetry Competition); poetry which has been set to music by English composers Edward Elgar and Hubert Parry; songs and poetry celebrating the Joy of Music; a history of the Norfolk Youth Music Trust; and 25 years of the Norfolk Young Musician Competition. There is also a helpful four-page Index.

This is a book which musicians, music-teachers and music-lovers alike cannot afford to be without.

The Book Launch Party is being held at 4 Church Close, Buxton, Norwich NR10 5ER.

Drinks (including wine, beer, and fruit juice) and Nibbles will be available. You will be entertained with music provided by our young musicians, including Lucy Thalange (mezzo-soprano) Ragnhild Rivertz (violin) (all winners of the Norfolk Young Musician Competition) and Viv Cairns (piano).

The price of the book is £9.95. If you can’t make it to the launch, the price of the book (including packing & postage is £13.75 (First Class) £13.25 (Second Class) (UK addresses); £17.55 (Mainland Europe); and £21.05 (USA and Canada)). Please let me know you would like me to autograph your purchase. All proceeds go to the trust and the target is £1,000. Please credit all payments to the Norfolk Youth Music Trust.

Thank you in anticipation of your support of the trust and the young musicians we seek to help.