Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Love Story, in Music Lessons *ePub
A beautifully written, witty memoir that is also an immersive exploration of classical music—its power, its meanings, and what it can teach us about ourselves—from the MacArthur "Genius" Grant-winning pianist “Jeremy Denk has written a love letter to the music, and especially to the music teachers, in his life.”—Conrad Tao, pianist and composer In Every Good Boy Does Fine, renowned pianist Jeremy Denk traces an implausible journey. His life is already a little tough as a precocious, temperamental six-year-old piano prodigy in New Jersey, and then a family meltdown forces a move to New Mexico. There, Denk must please a new taskmaster, an embittered but devoted professor, while navigating junior high school. At sixteen he escapes to college in Ohio, only to encounter a bewildering new cast of music teachers, both kind and cruel. After many humiliations and a few triumphs, he ultimately finds his way as a world-touring pianist, a MacArthur “Genius,” and a frequent performer at Carnegie Hall. Many classical music memoirs focus on famous musicians and professional accomplishments, but this book focuses on the everyday: neighborhood teacher, high school orchestra, local conductor. There are few writers capable of so deeply illuminating the trials of artistic practice—hours of daily repetition, mystifying advice, pressure from parents and teachers. But under all this struggle is a love letter to the act of teaching. In lively, endlessly imaginative prose, Denk dives deeply into the pieces and composers that have shaped him—Bach, Mozart, and Brahms, among others—and offers lessons on melody, harmony, and rhythm. How do melodies work? Why is harmony such a mystery to most people? Why are teachers so obsessed with the metronome? In Every Good Boy Does Fine, Denk shares the most meaningful lessons of his life, and tries to repay a debt to his teachers. He also reminds us that we must never stop asking questions about music and its purposes: consolation, an armor against disillusionment, pure pleasure, a diversion, a refuge, and a vehicle for empathy. Read more
Download Now
Why Must Read Every Good Boy Does Fine: A Love Story, in Music Lessons?
‘I hope it doesn’t sound silly to say that for me there is a connection between the task of piano playing, trying to find the elusive combination of nuances that bring the phrase alive, and the search for the ‘perfect’ combination of words to express something...I guess the common thread is communication and hopefully that “shiver of delight” when something is expressed in an imaginative, unexpected way.’ - Jeremy Denk This memoir by pianist Jeremy Denk traces his life from his early years living in New Jersey. By the age of six, the piano was his first love, and he was already considered to be advanced in his skills - for his years. And while there is considerable focus on his love of music, there is so much more to his story. This began as a short story published in The New Yorker in April of 2013, but there is so much more to his story that is included in this memoir. The internal stress of striving for perfection, and how his life changed when his family moved, necessitating finding new a piano teacher. For those whose dream from a young age hadn’t reached the form of obsession, that may not seem like much, but at the time it must have seemed like being ripped away from his safety net. At the age of twelve, he talks about visiting a record store in the then ‘new mall’ to choose a new record. A journey that always necessitated holding the albums in ordered to determine which one he truly wanted. He recalls it being one of the happiest acts in his life, enhanced by his parents trusting him in this area of choice. He talks about the joy in bringing home a cassette of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante performed by the Cleveland Orchestra, based on their legendary status. Listening to the cassette, the music revealing a story. A powerful memory that he still retains. Now at the age of 51, Denk has written this memoir, sharing his journey, journeys, along the way. Personal relations through the years, both with friends and more. This is a personal journey, and while it includes his achievements it is not about the glamour, it is firmly rooted in the years of work, the personal reflections, the personal toll of seeking perfection. The pressure and the stress it creates. The love of music, of sharing this gift, and his love of teaching others. A beautifully written memoir, for those who appreciate the power of music to enhance our lives, move us, and lead us to a place that stirs something in us, personally, emotionally will enjoy this aspect, but there is much more to this. His personal growth, for one, the struggles along the way, but also, the personal acceptance for who he is, and was always meant to be, as well. Reading his thoughts on the emotions attached to music, the need for perfection in his own performance, as well as the unmitigated joy he finds in music, and the emotions and thoughts it provokes. How a passage of music can move us to tears for its beauty or the memories it stirs in us. Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Random House
Read Now