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The splendid Biographical Dictionary of Musicians was begun in 1900 by Theodore Baker. Nicolas Slonimsky undertook the fifth through eighth editions, infusing them with inimitable, irrepressible Slonimsky style. This edition contains more than 3.5 million words, all of them delightful, all penned by Slonimsky, making it one of the world's known treasures. From Aaltonen, Erkki (Finnish composer, born 1910) to Zylis-Gara, Teresa (Polish soprano, born 1935), the work exudes factual accuracy, critical (and opinionated) insights, fine humor, and a human touch. Though associated with classical music, Slonimsky has always embraced the new, and in this edition, hundreds of popular musicians (jazz, rock, blues, and more) join the traditional ranks.
Customer Reviews:
A very useful and extremely fun book to have if you love classical music.......2005-11-15
This book is really indispensable for anyone who cares deeply about classical music. It is a fabulous reference for almost all the composers you can think of and many you have never heard of, many historically important performers, musicologists, theorists, and lots of other great information. Since it is a single volume handy reference the articles tend to be concise and very informative. You learn not only biographical information, but important works in that person's life (whether composing or performing them).
There are several specialized versions of Baker's this or that. For example, there is one for twentieth century musicians and another for popular music. However, this is the bedrock main version.
While this volume is presently out of print, it can be had on the used market relatively affordably. A ninth edition is planned for 2007, or so I hear. However, it is going to be something like $300! Of course it is worth it, because of the wealth of information, but you can get this version for about a quarter of that price or less.
This is a book that is simply fun to flip around in and read things you never even suspected to exist. Make sure and read Slonimsky's article on himself. It is a hoot.
Incredibly useful.......2005-10-02
My first copy of this book was the 1958 version, the fifth edition of this text, which represented a major increase in the text (from fourth to fifth, there were some 2300 additional biographies, which can give one a sense of the scope of this text even then). It is now an impressive tome that covers not only the 'classical' world but also the pop, rock, jazz, country and other more modern areas of music to a significant degree.
The research methodology for this book has continued to be developed over time. The first edition, in 1900, relied extensively on musician biographies and autobiographies, but this has since been supplemented a great deal with outside research, musicologist and historian contributions, and innovative methods by Nicolas Slonimsky (for example, Slonimsky contacted the Palais de Justice in Paris to verify the dates of Wagner's imprisonment for debt, something Wagner omitted from his official life story; he contacted the Vienna Bureau of Meteorology for a weather report on the day Beethoven died to confirm the story of the thunderstorm).
This is a dictionary of musicians, but it includes many other peope connected to music - Slonimsky suggested once that the title should be 'Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians, Librettists, Publishers, Impresarios, and Sundry Other Men, Women, and Children Who Have to Do with Music.' The entries go back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, but as Slonimsky states, the biographical details of music figures from those periods is rather scant, even if their importance was major. There is a major section at the beginning that discusses the standards of the dictionary, the spelling and naming conventions used, the preservation of details in different ways, and the free use of qualifying descriptions (neither Baker nor Slonimsky were shy at giving their opinions about the quality or talent of the figures involved).
This is an incredibly useful dictionary, from Aaron, abbot of St. Martin and St. Pantaleon in Cologne (circa 1050) to Alberich Zwyssig, a Swiss composer of the 1800s. I find it one of my most frequently used reference books, both the older fifth edition and the new eighth edition. It is a valuable book in any edition.
I Use This For Academic Music.......2001-10-29
I do not believe I can say enough to extol the virtue of this book. I am finishing my Music Composition degree and Baker's has been an indespensible tool for my research. Concise and informative, this book even includes the opinions of the musical scholars. To say that this is just a dictionary would be like saying that the sun is dull.
Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians could be used like a "Who's Who" if the musical world. While the Harvard Dictionary of Music is the reigning authority, written differently from Bakers, which is easier to follow.
Specifically, I wanted information on J.S. Bach. Baker's has a particularly well-detailed, extensive section on Bach: everything I needed.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the finer facts of music history.
helpful reference tool.......1999-03-31
While I don't actually own this book, I have used it a great deal for a college music class. The definitions are helpful, well-written, and present helpful, relevant information in a concise form. The biographies are good for a quick reference, but they also lead to further, more complex research questions.
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The Concise Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians
Nicolas Slonimsky
Manufacturer: Schirmer Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 002872416X |
Customer Reviews:
The Concise Baker's.......2000-02-28
For those of us who can't afford the complete Baker'sBiographical Dictionary of Musicians, the Concise version is still agreat buy We have owned the 8th ed. for some years and use it very frequently. This dictionary has good clear information on not just the well known composers and performers, but many minor composers and performers as well. Like the complete ed., this dictionary includes jazz musicians. One of the best features of this book is that it not only has the biographical article, but has the composer's works divided up into the various types of composition, such as piano music, giving both titles and dates of compositon. A great reference tool, particularly for anyone wanting to find more pieces by a favorite composer, or a date for a piece already known. .
Average customer rating:
- (Almost) all you wanted to know about contemporary musicians
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Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Classical Musicians
Nicolas Slonimsky ,
Laura Diane Kuhn , and
Dennis McIntire
Manufacturer: Schirmer Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0028712714 |
Customer Reviews:
(Almost) all you wanted to know about contemporary musicians.......2000-03-27
This is a good reference book, although it falls short of the intentions of its compilers. Roughly the same size as the Concise Baker's, it certainly could have benefited with the inclusion of more thorough work lists. Many entries should have been updated.
I had bought this book mostly on account of what Laura Kuhn says openly in the Preface: "Entries contained in these pages are restricted to contemporary, classical musicians only, with complete work lists and carefully selected bibliographies" "Pop and jazz artists, idiosyncratically covered at best in previous editions of the Baker's, have been excised". In view of such statement of principles, I felt somewhat short-changed. In comparison with the Concise, there are many new articles - e.g. I had never found elsewhere entries for Kriukov or Pizzini, but conversely, there is no mention of composers perhaps better known than them, such as Glenn Branca or Peggy Coolidge. In addition, I was surprised and outraged when I found that some contemporary composers appearing in the Concise had been deleted! Examples: Frederick Cowen, Alberic Magnard, Mikolajus Ciurlionis. I could not found one valid reason for their exclusion.
The coverage of film music composers is quite irregular. While there are plenty of entries for film-only composers such as Elmer Bernstein or Alfred Newman, there is no mention of some of the most well known names such as Goldsmith, Barry, or Delerue.
In relation to the amount of information, too many of the entries are identical to the Concise Baker's, not having been revised, corrected or expanded. And about the pretence of "complete work lists", check for instance Roslavetz or Ivanovs, whose lists of works are far from exhaustive. Ivanovs is said to have written 20 symphonies rather than 21 and only two of his five symphonic poems are mentioned. The "selected bibliography" consists, in this case, of two books, the most recent being over 30 years old.
As to the excision of pop and jazz artists, a cursory check shows the presence of entries for Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel, George Brassens, Miles Davis, Frederick Loewe, Alan Jay Lerner, Michel Legrand, Bobby McFerrin, none of whom is credited with any "classical music" accomplishment.
The articles are sometimes idiosyncratic. For example, reading about Penderecki, there is no mention whatsoever of his Post-modernist about face in 1977, although perhaps this suggests that the article has not been revised after that fact.
Kuhn explains in the Preface how a biographical dictionary is a means to invent history: "Giving some room to some, more room to others, ignoring the rest - displaying in both what is included and what is not both the ignorance and the prescience of its compilers". She mentions length of the entries as the first in the list of compiler's resources. Using this as a measure of importance in Kuhn's view, we can see what are the most important composers of the 20th century. What is your guess for No.1? Debussy? Schoenberg? Stravinsky? Bartók? Webern? Wrong. By a wide margin, her choice is Cage, to whose description by Slonismky she added "much beloved". Here is the ranking by the number of lines that she devoted to the most outstanding composers (excluding their list of works): 1. - Cage (426 lines) 2. - Stravinsky (293) 3. - Schoenberg (286) 4. - R. Strauss (187) 5. - Shostakovich (186). 6. - Debussy (184) 7. - Bernstein (167) Other composers that deserve more than 100 lines are Scriabin, Varèse, Vaughan Williams, Prokofiev, Ives, Sibelius and Barber. Bartók, at 99, does not quite make it. The length of Stockhausen's article equals David Raksin's.
In short, a good reference but a bit of a disappointment in the details.
Average customer rating:
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Baker's Biographical Dictionary Of Musicians V1
Theodore Baker
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Composers & Musicians
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| Biographies & Memoirs
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General
| Biographies & Memoirs
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ASIN: 1432633031 |
Book Description
In Two Volumes. This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.
Book Description
In Two Volumes. This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.
Book Description
Blackjack is the one casino game where the player can easily get an edge over the house. This has been known for almost forty years and many good books have been written on the subject. In spite of this, there are still only a relative handful of people who are taking advantage of this knowledge. Why is that?
David Sklansky believes the reason is that most people think expert blackjack play is too hard to learn. They browse through a book and are struck by the complex charts and tables.
Sklanksy realized that these charts were not really needed to show someone how to play an almost perfect game. As a renowned teacher, as well as a professional gambler, Sklansky (already the author of eight books on gambling) has devised a technique that literally "talks" you through everything you need to know to truly "beat" this popular game.
Customer Reviews:
Good book for Blackjack players.......2007-08-06
I bought this book for my mother and she is finding it an interesting and helpful read.
so so at best..........2005-12-13
When Sklansky came out with this book the Two Plus Two titles were really gaining momentum. This is an expanded version of the blackjack material he wrote about in "Getting the Best of It" and does not need to be a stand alone book. It only covers the basic strategy and simple count systems available in most blackjack books. and no illuminating angles or approaches. After the successes of "Theory of Poker" and "Holdem Poker for Advanced Players"- both considered must reading for poker players he elected to write this book because "players were interested in having him weigh in on the subject". His blackjack book is just so so in my opinion; it is accurate and to the point but you won't find new or better material here. If you are just starting and have no other blackjack books it is an acceptable primer but that's it.
For the Recreational Player - best money I've ever spent!.......2005-02-23
Much like the title says, this is the best money I've ever spent with regards to gambling. I'm so pissed I've been playing all these years without reading a book on Blackjack.
Sklansky knows his stuff as well as anyone, and he breaks it down into a real easy method that works. Yes - it works! Since I got this book just 2 weeks ago - I've played 3 online sessions - 3 hands at a time, 1 dollar bets each. The sessions - +30, +100, and +28!
All you need to do is look at the cards, look up their totals in the book (the second part is broken down into 1-2 page "chapters" by hands - 21, 20, 19, etc.), look at the dealers face card, and do what he tells you! No need to count cards or anything (cant really count onlne anyway). I guess its just basic blackjack strategy - but its supposed to give you a slight (.3%-.5%) edge, assuming a 6 deck shoe, which most online BJ sites use.
He recommends memorizing basic strategy, but I've found that by playing online (you could even play practice games) and looking up each hand (takes about 10 seconds a hand), you start to remember what to do in certain situations. He also has a part about counting cards for live play, and I plan on boning up on that just a bit before I play any casino action.
But for now - I recommend this book unconditionally - it's already paid for itself 15X over! If you're looking to make money online - this book is essential! Good luck!
Nothing New Here........2004-09-25
I admire David Sklansky very much and think that his attitude towards living the gambling life is b-lls out, but I do not think this book was worth the money I paid for it. Contingent to winning, with Sklansky, is that you, as reader, have the ability to count cards. Without it, you won't get any advantage over the house by reading Sklansky Talks Blackjack. The book's organization and use of pictured cards is useful but the author's offering nothing new here that can't be obtained by knowing basic strategy. Sadly, he provides no original or intellectual take on dealing with the 5 and 6 deck shoes that all of us-- outside of the gambling Meccas-- must deal with. I wish that he had.
not worth the money.......2004-01-16
conceptually the book is well thought out.playing blackjack is an exact science unlike poker where one has to judge the quality of opponents. describing deck situations as "slightly" "moderatly" "highly" is not appropriate when we know exactly when to deviate from basic strategy.
a much better book is "knock-out" blackjack if card counting is your aim or "blackjack bluebook" if recreational blackjack is your game
Average customer rating:
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Sklansky Talks Blackjack
David Sklansky
Manufacturer: Two Plus Two Pub.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Blackjack
| Gambling
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| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000N64R00 |
Book Description
GET YOUR LISTENER'S ATTENTION, KEEP HIS INTEREST, AND MAKE YOUR POINT -- ALL IN THIRTY SECONDS!
Milo Frank, America's foremost business communications consultant, shows you how to:
* Focus your objectives
* Utilize the "hook" technique
* Use the secrets of TV and advertising writers
* Tell terrific anecdotes that make your point
* Shine in meetings, question-and-answer sessions, and more!
Milo Frank's proven techniques give you the edge that successful people share -- the art of communicating quickly, precisely and powerfully!
Customer Reviews:
You should if you care about communication.......2007-08-20
I care about the skills to communicate effectively and successfully. So do you?
I am tired of reading standard textbook or "expert advice" pages after pages. So are you?
I really enjoyed reading this small and thin book (only 120 pages) with articulating words and practical suggestions. So will you!
Egotistical Hollywood "Bigshot" fossil selling used cars .......2007-05-14
I found the book to be ironic. The title promotes that it teaches you how to get your point across efficiently to achive a desired outcome. But it was so verbose, I found myself scanning through 80% of each chapter to get to the point. At the end of each chapter is the 30 second take away. If you skip to the end and read these sections you can save yourself 2 hours. The rest of the chapters are filled with the author recounting his experiences wheeling and dealing in Hollywood and pumping his own accomplishments. It is also dated, he celebrates his own success in TV show/movies/other entertainment endeavors that are sooooooo old a 35 year old in the know does not recognize them making it hard to understand the point. In addition the temporal context does not address common electronic communication tools we use today (email, blogging, PowerPoint)
This book may have been a good resource for the 1970's and 80's but it does not translate well to the current environment. I think you could easily find the lessons in this book and more on a typical free career coaching website.
Lastly, I do not feel that the author has the appropriate expertise and credentials. This book may be useful in the specific context of "doing deals in Hollywood" but it does not translate to my world well.
Don't wait more than 30 seconds to buy this book!.......2006-08-14
This book should be read by everyone! Whether you are a salesperson, a public speaker, or anyone that wants to communicate more effectively, this book will help you do it. Written in a breezy, interesting style, the author gives great suggestions on how to make a presentation effectively. It is a short book, by design. My only regret about this book is that I was unaware of its existence until a month ago.
Executive summary. TV commercials are 30 seconds long for a reason. If you learn to keep your message short, to the point, and interesting, people will listen to you. Milo Frank lays out the steps in this wonderful gem of a book.
Outline:
1. Keep it to 30 seconds. People have a short attention span. It works for TV commercials. Three Basic Principles: Knowing what you want, who can give it to you and how to get it.
2. The Objective. Your objective is your goal, purpose or destination. You can have only one objective. In every form of communication, your thoughts and words should introduce, reinforce, or help you achieve your adjective. You do not have to state your objective except to yourself.
3. The Audience. Go to the right person, the person who can give you what you want. Know as many facts about the person's) you'll be talking to. Identify with your listener. What does he want from you, and what one thing more than any other will get a favorable reaction from him?
4. The Right Approach. The single thought or sentence that will best lead to your objective. The right approach will also take into consideration the needs and interest of your listener. It will give you focus and keep you on track toward achieving your objective.
5. The Hook. A statement or an object used specifically to get attention. Use your hook as the first statement in your 30 second message. It should relate to your objective, your listener, and your approach. A statement, dramatic or humorous. If it's a question, it must be answered. Anecdotes or personal experiences are excellent hooks. Your entire message can be a hook. Keep a hook book.
6. Your Subject. Catch them, Keep Them, Convince Them. What, who, where, when, why and how. Know your subject and present it as concisely and forcefully as possible.
7. Ask for the order. Action close calls for specific action within a specific time frame. The reaction, reverse-psychology close is the strategy o use when your best chance is to ask indirectly. Decide your close in advance.
8. Paint a picture. Imagery, colorful pictures. Clarity: don't use technical terms just to sound knowledgeable. Personalize it with a story. Use emotional appeal - touch the heart.
9. Spotlight on you. How you say it matters as much as what you say. First impressions: pen vs. pen in a box with a ribbon tied around it. SMILE! Inspires confidence and understanding, and makes a good first impression. Eye contact establishes sincerity. Every little movement matters. Posture reveals what you think of yourself and of your listener. Self-awareness. What you wear sends powerful signals, and shows you care. Facial expression: goal is spontaneity and sincerity. Be prepared and care about what you're saying. (Passion) Body Language: stand, don't sit. Voice: animation, enthusiasm, variety, informality, sincerity, color & variety, modulate your volume. Use pauses.
10. One or a Thousand: Great communication. Establish intimacy with your audience by making them feel that you're talking directly to them. Master, not memorize. Outline your talk: objective, approach, subject, hook, 5Ws. Start and finish without 3x5 cards. Stop talking if you look at notes. Even before you start, make eye contact with audience. Variety. Write an introduction for your introducer. Always leave them wanting more.
11. Any time, any place. The question turnabout: "you're absolutely right, and one other point is.." Know your objective, listener and approach before making any business phone call. The rules of the 30 second message also apply to memos, Thank You letters, and toasts.
A good little book about the art of communication.......2006-05-05
What sort of person do you really hate to engage in conversation? For me, it's somebody who doesn't know when to stop speaking.
Frank declares that the basic attention span is about 30 seconds, and that if you don't make your point in that amount of time, you've lost your chance to be heard.
He then goes on to tell you how to deliver an effective message in 30 seconds.
The book is very well written, and only 120 pages long. It's well worth reading.
Sometimes 30 Seconds Is An Eternity.......2006-02-27
The most interesting thing about this book is that the author feels no pressure to legitimize his assertion that there is something special about 30 seconds. Because his background is in the field of television entertainment, (never to be confused with communications), he finds significance in the length of television commercials, which frequently run 30 seconds. That this is done for financial reasons, not attention-span reasons, has evaded him completely. HTGYPAI3SOL is just another in the endless chain of How To books penned by individuals struggling with delusions of expertise, whose only skill is self-promotion, that package the obvious and resell it to the gullible. Readers who find anything in this slim and overpriced tome even remotely surprising or counter-intuitive are advised to probe deeper into the self-help section of the bookstore for volumes on Shoe-Tying For Beginners, The ABCs Of Writing Your Name, and Gravity - It's Not Just A Good Idea, It's The Law.
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