Moscow Nights: The Van Cliburn Story-How One Man and His Piano Transformed the Cold War

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Author : Nigel Cliff
Genre : Biography & Autobiography

Summary : “A rousing, well-researched biography” of the Texan piano prodigy who crossed the Iron Curtain at the height of the Cold War (Kirkus, starred review). A National Book Critic’s Circle Finalist In 1958, an unheralded young pianist named Van Cliburn traveled to Moscow to compete in the First International Tchaikovsky Competition. The Soviets had no intention of bestowing their coveted prize on an unknown American; a Russian pianist had already been chosen to win. Yet when the gangly Texan with the shy grin began to play, he instantly captivated an entire nation. The Soviet people were charmed by Van Cliburn’s extraordinary talent, but it was his palpable love for the music that earned their devotion; for many, he played more like a Russian than their own musicians. As enraptured crowds mobbed Cliburn’s performances, pressure mounted to award him the competition prize. “Is he the best?” Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev demanded of the judges. “In that case . . . give him the prize!” Adored by millions in the USSR, Cliburn returned to a hero’s welcome in the USA and became, for a time, an ambassador of hope. In this thrilling, impeccably researched account, Nigel Cliff recreates the drama and tension of the Cold War era, and brings into focus the gifted musician whose music would temporarily bridge the divide between two dangerously hostile powers.

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Author : Richard Taruskin
Genre : Music

Summary : "A gathering chiefly of talks given either by invitation or at conferences throughout the world over the last quarter century. The topics range widely, but recurrent themes include the place of classical music in contemporary society and culture, the fraught relationship between aesthetics and ethics, and the responsibilities of scholarship in an age of spin"--

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Author : Stuart Isacoff
Genre : Music

Summary : From the acclaimed author of A Natural History of the Piano, the captivating story of the 1958 international piano competition in Moscow, where, at the height of Cold War tensions, an American musician showed the potential of art to change the world. April of 1958--the Iron Curtain was at its heaviest, and the outcome of the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition seemed preordained. Nonetheless, as star musicians from across the globe descended on Moscow, an unlikely favorite emerged: Van Cliburn, a polite, lanky Texan whose passionate virtuosity captured the Russian spirit. This is the story of what unfolded that spring--for Cliburn and the other competitors, jurors, party officials, and citizens of the world who were touched by the outcome. It is a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most remarkable events in musical history, filled with political intrigue and personal struggle as artists strove for self-expression and governments jockeyed for prestige. And, at the core of it all: the value of artistic achievement, the supremacy of the heart, and the transcendent freedom that can be found, through music, even in the darkest moments of human history.

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Author : W.F. Sdtrong
Genre :

Summary : Texas raconteur, professor and radio personality W.F. Strong explains Texas like no one else. Dozens of fascinating bits from Texas’ past and present are skillfully told by the Fulbright Scholar from Texas. For this book celebrating his home state, Strong has collected 75 of his NPR broadcasts. You’ll hear his inimitably Texan voice in your mind’s ear as he weaves stories on subjects ranging from how to “talk Texan” to Texas bards and troubadours; from tall Texas tales to Lone Star icons like Charles Goodnight, Tom Landry and Blue Bell ice cream; from legends and unsung heroes of the past to some heartfelt memories of his own.

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Author : Gerald R. Seaman
Genre : Biography & Autobiography

Summary : Pëtr Il’ich Tchaikovsky: A Research and Information Guide is an annotated bibliography of substantial, relevant published resources relating to the Russian composer. Generally regarded as one of the most remarkable composers of the second half of the nineteenth century, Tchaikovsky is unique in that he was the first outstanding Russian composer to receive a professional musical education, being one of the first students to graduate from the newly opened St. Petersburg Conservatory. Composer of six symphonies, concertos, orchestral works, eight major operas, three ballets, and many chamber, keyboard and vocal works, he also composed important sacred music, which is currently being reassessed by contemporary Russian musicologists who are able to examine materials previously restricted or inaccessible during the Soviet period. Like his colleagues in St. Petersburg, Tchaikovsky was deeply interested in Russian folk song, which plays an important part in his works. This volume evaluates the major studies written about the composer, incorporating new information that has appeared in literary publications, articles and reviews.

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Author : Rósa Magnúsdóttir
Genre : History

Summary : From Stalin's anti-American campaign to Khrushchev's peaceful coexistence policy, this book addresses the Soviet propaganda and ideology directed towards the United States during the early Cold War.

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Author : Maurice Hinson
Genre : Music

Summary : Originally published in 1997, The Pianist's Bookshelf, was, according to the Library Journal, "a unique and valuable tool." Now rewritten for a modern audience, this second edition expands into the 21st century. A completely revised update, The Pianist's Bookshelf, Second Edition, comes to the rescue of pianists overwhelmed by the abundance of books, videos, and other works about the piano. In this clear, easy-to-use reference book, Maurice Hinson and Wesley Roberts survey hundreds of sources and provide concise, practical annotations for each item, thus saving the reader hours of precious research time. In addition to the main listings of entries, such as "Chamber Music" and "Piano Duet," the book has indexes of authors, composers, and performers. A handy reference from the masters of piano bibliography, The Pianist's Bookshelf, Second Edition, will be an invaluable resource to students, teachers, and musicians.