This is a biographical account of the lives of 25 of the world's best known classical composers. The book was written in 1922 so does not include modern composers. It's original intended readership was young music students, but the author herself acknowledges that it could appeal to a wider audience.

Edward MacDowell was born on the eve of the Civil War into a Quaker family in lower Manhattan, where music was a forbidden pleasure. With the help of Latin-American émigré teachers, he became a formidable pianist and composer, spending twelve years in France and Germany establishing his career. Upon his return to the United States in 1888 he conquered American audiences with his dramatic Second Piano Concerto and won his way into their hearts with his poetic Woodland Sketches. Columbia University tapped him as their first professor of music in 1896, but a scandalous row with powerful university president Nicholas Murray Butler spelled the end of his career. MacDowell died a broken man four years later, but his widow Marian kept his spirit alive through the MacDowell Colony, which she founded in 1907 in their New Hampshire home, and which is today the oldest and one of the most influential, thriving artist colonies in the the United States. Drawing on private letters that were sealed for fifty years after his death, this biography traces MacDowell's compelling life story, with new revelations about his Quaker childhood, his efforts to succeed in the insular German music world, his mysterious death, and his lifelong struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Edward MacDowell's story is a timeless tale of human strength and weakness set in one of the most vibrant periods of American musical history, when optimism about the country's artistic future made anything seem possible.

This volume contains a collection of biographical sketches of Beethoven written by various authors. Contents include: “Beethoven, by Maurice Baring”, “Ludwig Van Beethoven, by Elbert Hubbard”, “Ludwig Van Beethoven, by Harriette Brower”, “Beethoven, by George T. Ferris”, “On Hearing a Symphony of Beethoven, by Edna St. Vincent Millay”, “Ludwig Van Beethoven, by Kathrine Lois Scobey & Olive Brown Horne”, etc. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was a German composer and pianist. Beethoven's musical prowess was recognised from an early age, and he soon became famous as a virtuoso pianist and composer. However, after having gone almost completely deaf by 1814, Beethoven ceased public performances and appearances entirely. One of the most celebrated composers in Western history, Beethoven's music remains amongst the most commonly-performed classical music around the world. His most notable compositions include: “Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21”, “Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61” and “Piano Concerto No. 5 in E♭ major, Op. 73”. This brand new volume offers unique insights into the life and mind of this incredible composer and will appeal to those with an interest in classical music.

www.delphiclassics.com

The operas of the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi are among the greatest achievements of nineteenth century culture and remain at the heart of the opera repertory today. His extraordinary works took the opera world by storm, transforming and dominating the world of opera for over 30 years. Verdi modified the rigid conventions of the bel canto style, which had previously depended on the showcasing of singers at the expense of dramatic values. He changed this system to form an overall dramatic masterpiece, giving the singers melody and brilliance in ample measure. Delphi’s Great Composers Series offers concise illustrated guides to the life and works of our greatest composers. Analysing the masterworks of each composer, these interactive eBooks include links to popular streaming services, allowing you to listen to the pieces of music you are reading about. Evaluating the masterworks of each composer, you will explore the development of their works, tracing how they changed the course of music history. Whether a classical novice or a cultivated connoisseur, this series offers an intriguing overview of the world’s most famous and iconic compositions. This volume presents Verdi’s masterworks in succinct detail, with informative introductions, accompanying illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus features. (Version 1) * Concise and informative overview of Verdi’s masterworks * Learn about the operas that made Verdi a celebrated composer * Links to popular streaming services (free and paid), allowing you to listen to the masterpieces that you’re reading about * Features a special ‘Complete Compositions’ section, with an index of Verdi’s complete works and links to popular streaming services * Includes a selection of English translations of the librettos * Also features three biographies, including Frederick James Crowest’s seminal study — explore Verdi's intriguing musical and personal life Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting eBooks CONTENTS: The Masterworks Oberto Un giorno di regno Nabucco Ernani I due Foscari Macbeth Il corsaro La battaglia di Legnano Luisa Miller Rigoletto Il trovatore La traviata Les vêpres siciliennes Inno delle nazioni Don Carlos Aida Messa da Requiem Falstaff Complete Compositions Index of Verdi’s Compositions The Librettos Rigoletto Il trovatore La traviata La Forza del Destino Aida The Biographies Verdi: Man and Musician, by Frederick James Crowest Giuseppe Verdi by Harriette Brower History of the Opera by Henry Sutherland Edwards Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of exciting titles

Here, in one remarkable volume, are the thoughts, musical insights, and invaluable practical advice from a host of world-class musicians. Ignacy Paderewski talks about the correct motion of fingers and forearm in his new "Méthode"; Josef Hofmann talks about the role of inspiration, Leopold Godowsky discusses the laws governing technique, more. Introduction by Dr. Jeffrey Johnson.