The World of Music According to Starker FROM THE PUBLISHER
Janos Starker is universally acknowledged as one of the world's great musicians. Known for a flawless technique paired with expressive playing and interpretation, the Hungarian-born cellist is arguably also the premier teacher of his instrument in our time. String players flock to his masterclasses from all over the world, and cellists compete vigorously to study under him at the Indiana University School of Music. More than the consummate musician, however, Starker is also a raconteur and writer, occasionally quirky and droll, always witty and with a pointed opinion to share. The World of Music According to Starker is a colorful autobiography spanning the author's fascinating life. From his early musical education during World War II in Hungary to his world tours, educational philosophy, and recording and pedagogical legacy, Starker takes the reader on a riveting, entertaining, and informative journey. Included in the book are several of Starker's short stories and commentaries on world events, academia, and -- of course -- music that have appeared in newspapers, music periodicals, and trade magazines. Packaged with the book is a bonus CD featuring Janos Starker's last traditional cello recital that took place in Mandel Hall at the University of Chicago on May 3, 2002, and was recorded by WFMT Radio. Unavailable commercially, it includes Starker's only recording of the Strauss Sonata in F, Opus 6, as well as works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert. Pianist Shigeo Neriki is the accompanist.
SYNOPSIS
A colorful autobiography of one of the world's great cellists. More than the consummate musician, however, Starker is also a raconteur and writer, occasionally quirky and droll, always witty and with a pointed opinion to share. Includes a bonus CD recording of Starker's last public recital, which features his only recording of the Strauss Sonata in F, Opus 6."Few cello players currently before the public have enjoyed the kind of international success in all conceivable musical career roles as Janos Starker." --Chicago Tribune
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Starker, a Hungarian-born cellist, has had a long and distinguished career as a soloist, recording artist, and pedagog (he teaches at the University of Indiana). Now 80, he looks back on his remarkable life in this detailed and eminently readable memoir. So steeped is Starker in the music world that he identifies his chapters by ascending chromatic steps of the scale (e.g., C, C#, D) instead of numbers. These form a rough chronology, beginning with his harrowing years as a prisoner in a detention camp on an island in the Danube. Interspersed with the biographical sections are entertaining bits of prose that reveal other sides of Starker: a keen and witty observer of the human condition, a raconteur, an inventive satirist, and a man unafraid to air unconventional and, at times, politically incorrect beliefs. The exhaustive list of his recordings and editions attests to his indefatigable energy and passionate commitment to his art. As the only substantial biographical work on Starker, this is highly recommended. Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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