Chopin: The Man and His Music: Volume 1

Au contraire, some of you reviewers. This book is THE tour de force on the music of Chopin, expressed in the most descriptive and vibrant language imaginable. It was written in the late 19th Century by a man who understood every nook and cranny of Chopin's genius. The book is meant primarily as an overview and examination of Chopin's music for pianists and lovers of Chopin, written by a man who was a GREAT music critic and pianist himself. It's full of information on how the great pianists of the time performed Chopin and is INVALUABLE as a fascinating read and historical document. The book was never intended as an encyclopedic biography of the composer and much has been discovered about Chopin's life in the last 100 years that can be found in other sources. Those who expect Huneker to be factually correct in every respect on Chopin's life are badly missing the ENTIRE point of this fantastic examination of Chopin's life and music. Huneker ADORED Chopin and his writing brims with passion, enthusiasm and incredible insight into each piece Chopin produced, though his words were NEVER meant for the piano pedagogues only. Anyone who deeply loves Chopin will find this a unique and wonderful read. I have marked many passages, referred to it countless times, and there is nothing like reading Huneker's descriptions of a Chopin work while you are actually listening to it performed at the same time. Huneker's language simply reflects the florid language of his age and is magnificent in its descriptive detail. Zero stars on the misguided negative reviews on the book; and 5 stars on behalf of Huneker's little Chopin classic that has been in print for over 100 years. This is a book to be SAVORED and there are no other writings on Chopin that can match the boundless enthusiasm that Huneker has for his musical god. Each page brims with Huneker's vibrant spirit. Philistines stay away.

James Huneker made an praised essay around the different stages of Chopin's life as well an extensive, meticulous and detailed analysis about every one of his compositions. The way he analyzes and even collates this Polish composer reveals not only a deep engagement but besides a remarkable description supported by a poetic trait that stimulates still more the necessary reading. If you are engaged with Chopin's micro cosmos, go for this notable essay.

Who can count themselves learned in Chopin who has not read Huneker's wonderful, purple-prosy, unabashedly romantic examination of the Polish Master's music? If the musicology is a tad dated, the enthusiasm, the sheer love of music present on every page, are more evident than ever. This is absolutely essential reading for the Chopin lover.

Huneker was an aspiring concert pianist (as well as a brilliant writer), and his analysis of Chopin's music and poetry are simply amazing. Like Chopin, Huneker expresses from the heart and hears the music at a whole new level. His interpretation is raw and as full in energy as the music itself (especially for etude op.25 no.11 and the ballade no.1).