Brendel, Alfred (Author); Schubert, Franz; Schumann, Robert (Composer/Subjects) & Dada ArtBiblio.com
THE LADY FROM AREZZO: MY MUSICAL LIFE AND OTHER MATTERS
201924187London England: Faber & Faber 2019. First Edition. First Printing. Hardcover. Fine/Fine Dust Jacket. London England: Faber & Faber 2019. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. First Edition/First Printing. 160 pages. Retrospective collection of essays. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only and in the United Kingdom only. There is NO American Edition. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Alfred Brendel's "The Lady From Arezzo: My Musical Life And Other Matters". His unapologetically and delightfully eccentric glance at his lifelong aesthetic passions as well as a summing-up of his career as one of the greatest pianists of our time. Alone among performing artists Alfred Brendel was also a poet and an essayist of the first rank. That is to say his writings have genuine literary value; they qualify as literature. The eponymous "Lady From Arezzo" refers to a beguiling and enigmatic mannequin that Alfred Brendel chanced upon in a window display in Arezzo a small town in Italy which he subsequently acquired. Who is this strange lady Why is she carrying a large egg on her head She conveys great seriousness together with quirky comic effect. In other words she is the physical epitome of Brendel's own musical and literary essence. As such the book begins with a brilliant extended discussion of Dada the most misunderstood movement of Modernism. Then harking back to the Classical and Romantic Periods masterpieces are re-appraised by Brendel delving beyond performance towards their import and "affect" what they mean and the important context of their original creation and subsequent place in musical history. The "piece-de-resistance" is his summing-up essay "My Musical Life" offering an insightful history of his stupendous career: "Music" rather than - more than - "Life" illuminated in a great essay. Alfred Brendel died on June 17 2025 at the age of 94 his place in Western music and our larger culture preeminent and secure. An absolute "must-have" title for Alfred Brendel collectors. This copy is very prominently beautifully and uniquely signed dated shortly after publication and inscribed in blue ink-pen on the title page by the author: "To John Alex sharing music long distance with all best wishes Alfred Brendel June 2020". It is signed directly on the page itself not on a tipped-in page. His inscription refers mindfully to the COVID lockdown which severely limited "distancing" and in most cases cancelled concerts as well as book signings outright among other cultural events. This title is a great collection. This is the only such signed post-dated and inscribed copy of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing British available online and despite its imperfection slight rubbing on black cloth boards: A publisher's flaw is still in fine condition overall: Clean crisp and bright. Please note: During his long career Alfred Brendel generously signed CD's and even Souvenir Programs. He did NOT sign too many books. Copies available online have very serious flaws "Very Good" or are the Softcover Edition. This is surely an accessible and lovely alternative. A rare one-of-a-kind signed copy thus. One of the greatest musical and literary artists of the 20th century and our time. A fine copy. SEE ALSO OTHER ALFRED BRENDEL TITLE IN OUR CATALOG. ISBN 057135372X. Faber & Faber hardcover
Modern Rare · États-Unis110,00 $US≈ 93,07 €
