Pieter van den Toorn - Simply Stravinsky

This is a short book but a teeming one, boiling over with the insights that have accrued over forty years and more, ever since Pieter van den Toorn set the musicological world on its ear with his revelations about Stravinskys creative methods, deduced from an unprecedentedly close and fruitful examination of the published scores. Since then he has been at the manuscripts as well, and has made even further-reaching observations about Stravinskys epochal rhythmic innovations. All of this he now places at the disposal of musicians and general readers, laid out with a chronology of the composers life and timesa great gift to us all and a fitting crown to a most distinguished scholarly career.

Richard Taruskin, author of Stravinsky and the Russian Traditions

Pieter van den Toorn brings fresh insights to the life and work of one of the twentieth centurys most written-about composers. He has devoted his entire career to examining how Stravinskys music works and now shares that deep understanding with a wide readership. The great strength of this book is the way it tells the life through the music, eschewing much of the quotidian tittle-tattle to focus on the essentials of the musics harmonic and rhythmic organization. It certainly made me return to familiar music with new ears.

Jonathan Cross, Professor of Musicology, University of Oxford

A readable and comprehensible study by one of our leading Stravinsky theorists. Pieter van den Toorn has the gift of guiding the reader gently and agreeably through some quite intricate matters while painting a lucid overall picture.

Stephen Walsh, author of Stravinsky: A Creative Spring: Russia and France, 1882-1934

Pieter is among the foremost Stravinsky scholars in the world. His new book Simply Stravinsky is a synthesis of musical analysis, history, and criticism. What is remarkable about this book is that it presents a sophisticated account of Stravinsky s musical achievements accessible to a broad audience. And even more impressive is that it not only provides readers with a stimulating account of Stravinsky s works within their rich intellectual and cultural context, but also opens their ears to the joy and wonders of the music itself.

David Bernstein, Professor of Music, Mills College

Stravinsky was both grounded in tradition and a breaker of tradition, and Pieter van den Toorns insightful book shows us both sides of him. Theres a great deal to learn here of Stravinskys methods of composition, which remained consistent in spite of the radical changes of direction and style throughout his career, which are explained in fascinating detail. Its no wonder that Stravinsky is so many composers favorite composer!

Colin Matthews, English composer and Prince Consort Professor of Music and Fellow of the Royal College of Music

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S imply Charlys Great Lives series offers brief but authoritative introductions to the worlds most influential peoplescientists, artists, writers, economists, and other historical figures whose contributions have had a meaningful and enduring impact on our society.

Each book provides an illuminating look at the works, ideas, personal lives, and the legacies these individuals left behind, also shedding light on the thought processes, specific events, and experiences that led these remarkable people to their groundbreaking discoveries or other achievements. Additionally, every volume explores various challenges they had to face and overcome to make history in their respective fields, as well as the little-known character traits, quirks, strengths, and frailties, myths, and controversies that sometimes surrounded these personalities.

Our authors are prominent scholars and other top experts who have dedicated their careers to exploring each facet of their subjects work and personal lives.

Unlike many other works that are merely descriptions of the major milestones in a persons life, the Great Lives series goes above and beyond the standard format and content. It brings substance, depth, and clarity to the sometimes-complex lives and works of historys most powerful and influential people.

We hope that by exploring this series, readers will not only gain new knowledge and understanding of what drove these geniuses, but also find inspiration for their own lives. Isnt this what a great book is supposed to do?

Charles Carlini, Simply Charly
New York City

I gor Stravinsky never lacked for an appreciative audience. The international celebrity that was his with The Firebird in 1910 was his late in life as well. His neoclassical works of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, although less popular than the ballet scores composed earlier for the Ballets Russes, attracted a devoted following. Constantly on the move during this period, introducing his music in Europe and the United States, he conducted and performed at the piano.

The serial and 12-tone works of his American years (1939 until his death in 1971) were not popular at all, but Stravinsky was always careful to cushion the new with the old and the familiar in his programs. In 1959, he began co-authoring books of comment and reminiscence with Robert Craft, his associate who, when not assisting him at the podium, began publishing his own studies of the composer