Split Seconds: A Remembrance

by Tamara Geva

The foremost singer-interpreter of Schubert's lieder analyzes the songs within the context of the composer's life and environment

358 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I'm a huge New York City Ballet fan and I recognized Tamara Geva's name as George Balanchine's (NYC Ballet founder)first wife. I thought it was going to be a tell-all book but FAR FROM IT. THis book was written in her voice and she was 10 years old when the Russian Revolution happened right outside her house. I was amazed at everything she had endured. Riches, then poverty. Sneaking into ballet lessons. People shooting at her house. Crazy family antics. It made me appreciate how much she loved to dance because he had to have something to hang onto during horrible times like that. Definitely read this for a child's eye view of what happens when your government collapses around you and she makes something beautiful out of it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geva has near total recall of her childhood. She paints a vivid, visual picture of growing up in Russia before during and after the revolution. Worth reading especially to get a look at a young George Balanchine.