Author Description

Product Description When this much acclaimed biography was published ten years ago, Eric Sams welcomed it as `a model of critical biography... an essential vade mecum for all Schubertians'. In the intervening years, however, Schubert's public image has changed considerably. He has, since the 1860s, been the favourite composer of the man in the street, but the view from the academic lecture room has not always been equally attractive. Now the Ph.D. theses flow from the university presses, and 1997, when Schubert's bicentenary is celebrated is likely to see many more. Modern scholarship in the meantime has destroyed many of the familiar hagiographic images of Schubert the man, the impoverished Bohemian, the eternal youth, the reluctant lover, the genius in the garret, and has even dared to bring Schubert's sexuality within the compass of critical discussion. This has made it necessary to revise thoroughly the main text of the book as well as the four detailed appendices which serve as a useful reference section to the book. Its aim remains the same: to provide a readable, authoritative, and reliable guide to Schubert's life and works for the student, the musician, and the general reader. Review From reviews of the first edition: `a model of critical biography... an essential vade mecum for all Schubertians'' TLS`a book which should open many ears and minds to Schubert's true musical stature' The Musical Times`admirable' Andrew Porter, The Observer`This was first published in 1987 to wide acclaim and it is good to have it available once again.' Contemporary Review`Reed's room for manoevre is restricted, but he manages a number of admirable biographical nuggets... Reed is both judicious and pithy.' The Musical Times/November 1997`sturdy, well written... balanced and reliable' Peter Branscombe, Austrian Studies 10 About the Author Formerly a music critic for the Manchester Guardian, John Reed is the author of several books on Schubert.