A Life in Music

The passionate life of Daniel Barenboim. Too bad the version I have is the first edition...

Daniel Barenboim has been in the front row of the best musicians of the last quarter of the XX century and the beginning of the XXI. This book not only reflect his 'memoires' as a child prodigy, but his parallel upbringing as a pianist and conductor. But the most interesting parts in this book are the analysis of music by Barenboim. His personal view of the meaning of music and music making make this a delightful document for anyone interested in classical music. This includes his views on harmony, tempo, orchestra balance, expression and many other topics. Another aspect that I found captivating in this book were the anecdotes and stories of another musicians. The view of Barenboim about other conductors and his reflections on the sound and characteristics of different orchestras is invaluable to any music lover. And in this document we have also the view of this conductor in the process of setting up operas in different houses, and with different stage directors and singers, which are a bonus to opera lovers, like me. Finally we have in this book some of Barenboim's concerns about the future of Arab - Israeli relationships and his personal quest to bring some mutual understanding to these peoples. This efforts, which gave life to de West East Divan Orchestra, and earned Barenboim and his friend, the late American - Palestinian author Edward Said, the Prince of Asturias Award for Peace Efforts (Concordia) in 2002.

Very interesting, thought-provoking. Special interest to anyone who plays piano. Of great interest to anyone who loves classical music.

Barenboim embodies a rare combination of qualities: an absolutely first-rate musical talent, a thinking mind, and courage in following his conscience. He deeply understands and has an instinctive feel for music but is also aware that music does not exist in a vacuum--it is part of human society and history. I know of no other classical musician who combines the rare qualities Barenboim possesses. I greatly admire his courage in taking unpopular stands. Like his friend Edward Said he is an artist and a lover of music who is not afraid to speak out against injustice.

Daniel Barenboim's public position on the israeli-palestinian conflict made him the victim of repeated attacks from the israeli right wing, best exemplified by the previous reviewer. Barenboim's memoirs reflect both the sensitivity of a great artist and the honest political commitment of a true humanist. The accusations against a moderate like Barenboim are a sad reflection of these troubled times.