REVIEWS
Quotes about selected chapters from the Memoirs of Jacques Leiser
"I
have read three chapters of Jacques Leiser's book of memoirs - on
Richter, Michelangeli, and Berman. They offer fascinating and
irreplaceable insights into the characters of these three giants of the
keyboard. Essential reading not only for students of the piano,
but for the general musician as well"
DR. ALAN WALKER - author & Liszt authority
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"the
manuscript - it's just so fascinating, I can't put it down - I have a
thousand comments about the whole project. It's tremendously worthwhile
and so exciting. I think you need to shape more details into the
narrative. You have enough material on Richter to do a book on him
alone. These are stories that have to be told. This is a wonderful
project - thank you so much".
DANIEL CARRIAGA - former Chief critic Los Angeles Times
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"I
found Jacques Leiser's accounts of his pursuit (and persuasion) of the
artists he dealt with fascinating. The insight into these complex
personalities from a vantage point not often seen is part of the
interest. The other part is the chance to watch an "impresario" at
work, an occupation very little understood by concertgoers in general.
The real behind-the-scenes activity makes quite a story."
SHIRLEY FLEMING - former Editor, American Record Guide and Editor of Musical America, New York Post critic.
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"This
is a book, if I saw it in a bookstore, that I would buy
immediately. I always suspected that these magnificent careers didn't
happen all by themselves--that great talent alone doesn't make
and sustain a great career. Your book sets the record straight. (I love
details like Richter's hatred of the phone, and Michelangeli's poor
business sense in attempting to start his own record company."
RICK SCHULTZ - music journalist, critic - Los Angeles
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"I'd
be happy to provide an introduction to your memoirs. Let's hope you
find a publisher who's as eager to publish them as I am to read them."
TED
LIBBEY - former producer National Public Radio, former
Editor High Fidelity Magazine, music critic Washington Post and New
York Times
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" It is a lifetime of work that documents so much of piano history through great artists".
JUDY NELSON - Editor of Clavier Magazine
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"You
have magnificent photographs and fascinating stories. Thank you for
this magnificent package. I've just finished reading your Lazar Berman
story and am just shaking my head in amazement. I like it very much and
will be delighted to share my enthusiasm with our publishing board. As
I suspected, your photographs also are superb, and to think that 35 of
them could illustrate your book is exciting."
EVE GOODMAN - former Editor of Amadeus Press
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"In
Jacques Leiser the world of classical music has an international
treasure. His often bracing memoir of an era now vanished gives voice
to what great artists and artistry were once all about. Whether
describing the precarious risks of doing business, in the
name of art, in communist era Russia, or tending patiently
to the impatient desires of musical giants such as Michelangeli and
Richter, this is a riveting read. It is also a testament to our time
that future generations will enjoy as much as venerate."
JOHN BELL YOUNG - journalist, critic, St. Petersburg Times
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"I
have just devoured all 22 unnumbered pages of your Michelangeli
chapter. What you have in your memory is priceless and will be exciting
reading for the music public worldwide. Your writing is exciting. Your
memories are for eternity. Musicians around the world, as well as the
music public at large, have to have your book."
DEAN ELDER - former Editor of Clavier Magazine
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"Jacquesc
Leiseršs long and eventful managerial career is certainly the stuff of
which memoirs are made. The chapters I have sampled relating to
Richter, Michelangeli and Berman offer rare insights into the
personalities of these enigmatic artists. That Leiser was able to gain
their trust and confidence is testament both to his professionalism and
to sheer tenacity. Both are manifested in abundance in this engrossing
read."
ERNEST GILBERT - President VAI Records and Video
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"I
have read the sample chapters you sent with extreme enthusiasm. I
believe that the experience and stories you have shared with these
great artists have never been told before and that your book will offer
a unique perspective on a Golden Age of music making (gathering the
heirs of the 19th century tradition ? like Cortot or Fischer -, those
who have become legends - Callas, Haskil, Oistrakh - and musicians who
are the leading artists of today, such as Pollini). It is invaluable to
read an insider's view on that world".
"PIERRE JUBAN - Musee du Louvre, author and critic
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