Theme and Variations

by Bruno Walter

English, German (translation)

Genres: Music

344 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1946

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most exquisite, tender-hearted autobiography I've ever read. I came across this gem (in all its glorious 1946 Borzoi binding) quite by accident in a local used & rare book shop in my neighborhood. I had just begun researching classical composers and had never heard of the famed conductor, Bruno Walter, before. My experience with classical music on that level was relegated to only a handful of recent symphonies in San Francisco. I admit, what originally drew me to this book was the incredible binding that you just don't find anymore except with out-of-print books (if you're lucky!) and I had expected it would serve a quick skim here and there. Boy, was I wrong. Translated from German by James A. Galston, this autobiography is a masterpiece. I was struck first and foremost by Bruno Walter's naturally eloquent candor. A true intellectual-- in that very old-fashioned, loving use of the term-- whose passion for literature, culture, music and-- most of all, people--shines on every page. I, the reader, would get so easily swept away just as Bruno the writer would get swept away in describing his dearest friends (who spoiled him with time) or a walk through a fog-filled forest (during depressive episodes). With a looming WW2 in the backdrop, Bruno Walter's fame and utter mastery of music was second only to his honest excitement in telling his story. The effect is nothing short of becoming his best friend by the last page. Or at least I'd like to think so! If you see this out-of-print book anywhere-- grab it and treasure every page. It's THAT good.

[Dan Sneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conductor, perfect pitch, late 1800 and early 1900s. Compelling read and interesting history of a man and his music that is not often or well told otherwise.