My First 79 Years: Isaac Stern

by Isaac Stern, Chaim Potok

There is no more beloved musician in the classical world than Isaac Stern, revered not only as a great violinist but also as a generous personality and a crucial figure in the world of the arts. One of the few people who has known every major classical musician of the last two-thirds of the twentieth century, he shares his personal and artistic experiences in this warm, passionate account of his life: the story of his rise to eminence; his feelings about music and the violin; and his great friendships and collaborations with colleagues such as Leonard Bernstein and Pablo Casals. Stern the man, the musician, and the cultural institution come alive in the most readable and revealing musical autobiography of the decade.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Classical Music

317 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kiersten · Rating 3 out of 5]

What was I thinking?! After reading this book, I can only laugh at myself for ever thinking I would be a famous performer. My life was way too normal. I didn't practice 10 hours a day from the time I was 8. I went to public school. I didn't fly to New York (on a rich benefactor's dime) when I was 17 to debut at Carnegie hall. I hardly get a chance to practice 30 minutes a week. Ugh. However, I did enjoy reading about the life of Isaac Stern. It made me realize that I am not - and never was - willing to sacrifice what it takes to be a world-renowned violinist. While his life seems so lopsided to me, my world as a violinist has been enriched by him.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fascinating. Isaac Stern is not just an incredible musician, but an activist and a cultural ambassador. This is a very thoughtful book, with anecdotes about musicianship, what it means to be an artist, and about the value of music in the world.

Stern witnessed a lot of history firsthand as he traveled the world playing concerts, and actually shaped history in his own ways, especially with regards to Carnegie Hall and Israel. One of the most haunting images was his concert in Jerusalem - air raid sirens went off and everyone was asked to put on gas masks, but he went on and played an unaccompanied Bach to ease the tension. I'm also interested to see the film he made in China, From Mao to Mozart.

I would recommend it for all artists and performers (to see just what it takes to become a star), but especially classical musicians, and most of all violinists. People unfamiliar with classical music may find it a little dense - he goes into a lot of detail describing many of his recitals, so if you don't know the pieces it might seem long!

[Edith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isaac Stern's style (with Chaim Potok, author of "My Name is Asher Lev") is casual and easy. He discusses his three marriages with candor and his children with love and affection. Mostly, however, the book is about playing the violin, music, the saving of Carnegie Hall and what followed after, famous and influential people he met and/or knew well, and the various ailments to which musicians are prone. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the history of Carnegie Hall, 20th-century music performance, string players and of course, the violin. It was an enjoyable and easy read. Mr. Stern had a style that made it easy to relate to him.

[Tess Mowrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was very complicated. It had a lot of detail. It talked about how Isaac Stern got into classical music and his artistic life. I liked that he talked about the conductors and the people he played with. I also liked that he can remember his concert at our political capital, Washington, D.C. The last thing I liked was that he loved the art that he worked in.

[David Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating from the first page. I wish I had the opportunity to meet stern because he seemed to be a genuine and warm soul with amazing talent. It's truly amazing the life he had and all of the people he was ale to meet and work with. I almost want to read this again.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Stern's journey to becoming one of the world's most admired violinists to his dedication in saving America's iconic Carnegie Hall, this book is a worthwhile and informative read.

[Brad Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A little esoteric at times, with endless descriptions of concerts and pieces played. Some very fascinating anecdotes, such as his time in Israel, touring the Soviet Union and China, being in Dallas when Kennedy was assassinated, only to play at his funeral later on. I do want to look up some of the pieces he played and expand my classical music knowledge.

[Hobbitviolinist · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely memoir of an incredible man.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many insightful information on the musician life traveling around the world and working with different conductors and musicians, and what it takes to be a violinist. What a richly rewarding way of life in entertaining people who love listening to music and even playing it!

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stern was so instrumental in bringing beautiful music to so many people in so many situations. I had thought since it was co written with Potak that the writing might be more interesting. I found the writing very flat, hence the 3 stars.

[Joemca · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally loved it!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational for music lovers. Some insights into his routines, practises habits and views on good musicians as well as his values. Some amusing anecdotes too. Reads like a journal.

[Craig Coulston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, friendly and humane.

[ברוך קורל]

Wonderful personality and excellent musician