Music in Chopin's Warsaw
"The book should swiftly become foundational for Chopin studies and a source highly beneficial to pianists, those interested in musical Romanticism, and the amateur Chopin enthusiast."--Journal of the American Musicological Society"This seminal contribution to the Chopin literature by a native of Poland presents richly informative new material and contexts relating to the young composer's environment, some from previously unexamined sources and much unavailable to non-Polish readers. Goldberg explores the many ways in which the vibrant intellectual and musical life of Warsaw influenced Chopin and his music. Prominent among these were the charged political climate, the several types of pianos available to him, and--in addition to his formal musical training--the educational role of the wide range of music he heard in the theater, in concerts, and particularly in connoisseur's salons, which ranged from that of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven (including the "Archduke" Trio) to that of Spohr, Hummel, Dussek, and others. Enjoyment and understanding of Chopin's oeuvre will be greatly enriched by this fascinating volume."--Sandra P. Rosenblum, author ofPerformance Practices in Classic Piano Music"This fascinating and richly nuanced portrait of Chopin's Warsaw enriches our understanding of the composer, showing both his Polish roots and where he stands independent from them.  A vibrant and rewarding read."--Michael Beckerman, Professor and Chair, Department of Music, New York University"Music in Chopin's Warsawdocuments with astonishing clarity the intellectually engaged and wide-ranging culture that nourished the young Chopin.  Halina Goldberg's book will prove enormously helpful to all who wish to understand the 'Polish' in Chopin's music and his life."--Jeffrey Kallberg, Professor and Chair, Department of Music, University of Pennsylvania