A sharp critique of renowned composers and their works from the 19th and 20th centuries, this book poses provocative questions that challenge conventional perceptions of classical music. Readers are invited to explore humorous and scathing insights, uncovering the absurdities and eccentricities of famous pieces and their creators. With a unique blend of wit and analysis, the text includes an "Invecticon" for readers to decode the playful invectives and discover the full context behind each pointed remark, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Nicolas Slonimsky Bücher



2023 Reprint of 1947 Edition. A comprehensive reference book of scales and melodic patterns, arranged in the form of piano scales and melodic studies, but adaptable for all instruments. Since its publication in 1947, great musicians and composers of all genres - from Arnold Schoenberg and Virgil Thomson to John Coltrane and Freddie Hubbard - have sworn by this legendary volume and its comprehensive vocabulary of melodic patterns for composition and improvisation.
The autobiography reveals the life of a groundbreaking composer and performer who played a pivotal role in the evolution of modern music. Through witty anecdotes and reflections, the author shares personal experiences and insights from a career that shaped the musical landscape of the 20th century. This engaging narrative offers a unique perspective on the creative process and the cultural shifts that influenced their work.