ECU Libraries Catalog

Virtuosi : a defense and a (sometimes erotic) celebration of great pianists / Mark Mitchell.

Author/creator Mitchell, Mark (Mark Lindsey)
Format Book and Print
Publication InfoBloomington : Indiana University Press, ©2000.
Descriptionx, 193 pages, 16 pages of plates : illustrations ; 23 cm
Subject(s)
Contents The triumph of Marsyas -- Le concert, c'est moi -- The critic and the spider -- Notes on gourmandism -- The circus -- The nature of bis -- The colour of classics -- Some virtuosi in literature -- The virtuoso at home -- Possibilities of homosexual aesthetic of virtuosity -- Celluloid -- The pianola replaces Sappho's barbitos -- Musical chairs ; or, Il virtuoso seduto -- Aut Caesar, aut nihil -- Muscles and soul -- Mephistopheles in soutanes.
Abstract In essays rich with anecdote, this book explores the many domains of the virtuoso, taking on such subjects as music competitions, the phenomenon of the child prodigy, the virtuoso in literature and film, encores, seating habits, and the erotics of musical performance. The characters who populate his evocative narrative include not only such famous virtuosi as Franz Liszt, Martha Argerich, and Vladimir Horowitz but also Ervin Nyiregyhazi ("the skid row pianist"), the eccentric Vladimir de Pachmann, and Liberace.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 175-184) and index.
LCCN 00038897
ISBN0253337577 (cl : alk. paper)

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML700 .M57 2000 ✔ Available Place Hold