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Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette
by Jennifer JonesThe first African American Rockette charts her journey to one of the world's most celebrated dance troupes in this gripping memoir that, for the first time, goes behind the velvet curtains at Radio City's legendary holiday show. “Smashing through glass windows and paving the way for others requires a special blend of bravery and perseverance. Being a pioneer involves breaking down stubborn barriers, challenging closed-minded people and navigating through instances of racism and prejudice. This journey often included facing ongoing resistance from individuals who were unwilling to embrace change. It’s believing in your dream—that you can be and do whatever it is that you love.”—Jennifer JonesThe Radio City Rockettes are as American as baseball, hot dogs, and the Fourth of July. Their legendary synchronized leg kicks, precise lines, and megawatt smiles have charmed audiences for a century. But there is a hidden side to this illustrious national institution. When the Rockettes began in 1925, Black people were not allowed to dance on stage with white people. However, during the Civil Rights Movement, dance history changed significantly when Black and white dancers were permitted to perform together, marking a moment of progress and inclusivity in the world of dance and entertainment. Even so, as late as the early 1980s, Rockette director Violet Holmes said having “one or two Black girls in the line would definitely distract.”In 1987 the 63-year color barrier at Radio City was finally broken by one brave and tenacious woman. When she arrived, Jennifer Jones was met with pushback—a fierce resistance she details in this intimate and inspiring memoir. After overcoming seemingly impossible odds to join the line of The Rockettes, a PR director summoned the Black dancer to her hotel room and announced, “You’re old news, nobody cares about you, your story or anything about you. You're just lucky to be here.”Those words would haunt this shy, insecure biracial woman, who had always felt like an outsider.Like Gelsey Kirkland’s iconic Dancing on My Grave, Becoming Spectacular allows us to walk in Jones’ tap shoes—beautiful and glittering, yet painful and binding. Bringing into focus the wounded life of a trailblazer, this searing memoir is also a triumphant celebration of a spirit who refused to be counted out.
Becoming Tom Thumb: Charles Stratton, P.T. Barnum, and the Dawn of American Celebrity (The Driftless Connecticut Series)
by Eric D. LehmanAn “evocative and entertaining” biography of the nineteenth century circus performer who became a global phenomenon (Neil Harris, author of Humbug).When P. T. Barnum met twenty-five-inch-tall Charles Stratton at a Bridgeport, Connecticut hotel in 1843, one of the most important partnerships in entertainment history was born. With Barnum’s promotional skills and the miniature Stratton’s comedic talents, they charmed a Who’s Who of the nineteenth century, from Queen Victoria to Charles Dickens to Abraham Lincoln. Adored worldwide as “General Tom Thumb,” Stratton played to sold-out shows for almost forty years. From his days as a precocious child star to his tragic early death, Becoming Tom Thumb tells the full story of this iconic figure for the first time. It details his triumphs on the New York stage, his epic celebrity wedding, and his around-the-world tour, drawing on newly available primary sources and interviews. From the mansions of Paris to the deserts of Australia, Stratton’s unique brand of Yankee comedy not only earned him the accolades of millions of fans, it helped move little people out of the side show and into the limelight.
Becoming a Ballerina: A Nutcracker Story
by Lise FriedmanThe perfect holiday gift for every young ballet lover.Go backstage at the ballet with real-life thirteen-year-old dancer Fiona. Dozens of gorgeous, full-color photographs welcome readers into Fiona's world, as she goes from auditions, to rehearsals, to opening night playing Clara, the lead child's role in Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker. Experience the nerves, the hard work, and ultimately the thrill of performing on the big stage with a professional company. This is a beautiful holiday gift that young dancers will cherish all year round.
Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer: The Artistry, Joy, and Career of Storytelling
by J. Michael StraczynskiIn the words of novelist Harlan Ellison, "The trick is not becoming a writer. The trick is staying a writer. New York Times bestselling author and British Academy Award nominee J. Michael Straczynski knew he wanted to be a writer ever since he was a child. What he didn't know was how to actually become, or stay, a writer. Now, he's giving fellow writers the comprehensive guide he wishes he had all along, personalized tips and techniques that can't be found in any other book on writing. Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer culls from Straczynski's more than thirty years of experience writing for film, television, books, and comics. Designed for writers in any stage of their career, this quirky, insightful and often humorous book provides an inside look at these industries with advice and wisdom covering such topics such as: What fledgling writers need to know to improve and sell their work—and avoid wasting valuable time Tips for experienced writers who want to get to the next level Staying disciplined when writing is your day job Why writers should never wait for inspiration Story-planning strategies that don't kill your spontaneity Expert techniques for effective, memorable world-building How to get an agent and survive the writer's journey in more personal relationships Revising and editing with precision When and how to reinvent yourself as an artist Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer includes Straczynski's unique, tried-and-true methodologies that will help storytellers sharpen their work so that it's polished and ready for publication. Part toolbox and part survival guide, this book will be an indispensable guide throughout your entire writing career, offering fresh and practical insights every step of the way.
Becoming an Actor’s Director: Directing Actors for Film and Television
by Regge LifeThe collaboration of director and actor is the cornerstone of narrative filmmaking. This book provides the director with a concrete step-by-step guide to preparation that connects the fundamentals of film-script analysis with the actor’s process of preparation. This book starts with how to identify the overall scope of a project from the creative perspective of the director as it relates to guiding an actor, before providing a blueprint for preparation that includes script analysis, previsualization, and procedures for rehearsal and capture. This methodology allows the director to uncover the similarities and differences between actor and director in their preparation to facilitate the development of a collaborative dialogue. Featuring chapter-by-chapter exercises and assignments throughout, this book provides a method that enables the director to be present during every stage of production and seamlessly move from prep to filming, while guiding the actor to their best performances. Written in a clear and concise manner, it is ideal for students of directing, early career, and self-taught directors, as well as cinematographers, producers, or screenwriters looking to turn their hand to directing for the first time.
Becoming the Ex-Wife: The Unconventional Life and Forgotten Writings of Ursula Parrott
by Marsha GordonThe riveting biography of Ursula Parrott—best-selling author, Hollywood screenwriter, and voice for the modern woman. Credited with popularizing the label "ex-wife" in 1929, Ursula Parrott wrote provocatively about divorcées, career women, single mothers, work-life balance, and a host of new challenges facing modern women. Her best sellers, Hollywood film deals, marriages and divorces, and run-ins with the law made her a household name. Part biography, part cultural history, Becoming the Ex-Wife establishes Parrott's rightful place in twentieth-century American culture, uncovering her neglected work and keen insights into American women's lives during a period of immense social change. Although she was frequently dismissed as a "woman's writer," reading Parrott's writing today makes it clear that she was a trenchant philosopher of modernity—her work was prescient, anticipating issues not widely raised until decades after her decline into obscurity. With elegant wit and a deft command of the archive, Marsha Gordon tells a timely story about the life of a woman on the front lines of a culture war that is still raging today.
Becoming: Sex, Second Chances, and Figuring Out Who the Hell I am
by Laura Jane Williams'...a cult hit' - Grazia'LJ's honesty and voice are unique in a crowded market' - Stylist'If you've ever felt a little lost, I hope this book finds its way to you' - Daisy Buchanan 'Everyone is writing about sex. Some are even doing it. Haven't we all been waiting for someone to look at what happens when you opt out, and to do it with not only humour...but also true empowerment? Call off the search. At last, here she is' - The GuylinerWhen the man Laura Jane Williams thought she'd wed dumped her and married her friend, she was devastated. Empty. Drinking too much, sleeping around, and moving from place-to-place in a refusal to put down roots, she tried to fill the void - the gaping hole - that heartbreak had left behind. She wanted control. To grab life by the balls. To live boldly. But, she rapidly learned it wasn't that simple.Resolving that life couldn't go on as it was - that the backlog of men and sadness that haunted her would not define her - Laura declared a year-long vow of celibacy, ultimately finding herself in a Riviera convent as she slowly put pieces of herself back together.An honest exploration of a young woman's soul and a road trip through Italy, America, Paris and...Derby, BECOMING is a book that makes you laugh and makes you cry, but most of all? It makes you realise that even when the going gets tough, no one is really f*cking up like they think they are.
Becoming: Sex, Second Chances, and Figuring Out Who the Hell I am
by Laura Jane Williams'...a cult hit' - Grazia'LJ's honesty and voice are unique in a crowded market' - Stylist'If you've ever felt a little lost, I hope this book finds its way to you' - Daisy Buchanan 'Everyone is writing about sex. Some are even doing it. Haven't we all been waiting for someone to look at what happens when you opt out, and to do it with not only humour...but also true empowerment? Call off the search. At last, here she is' - The GuylinerSurvive and thrive memoir from blogger and social media influencer Laura Jane Williams.When the man Laura Jane Williams thought she'd wed dumped her and married her friend, she was devastated. Empty. Drinking too much, sleeping around, and moving from place-to-place in a refusal to put down roots, she tried to fill the void - the gaping hole - that heartbreak had left behind. She wanted control. To grab life by the balls. To live boldly. But, she rapidly learned it wasn't that simple.Resolving that life couldn't go on as it was - that the backlog of men and sadness that haunted her would not define her - Laura declared a year-long vow of celibacy, ultimately finding herself in a Riviera convent as she slowly put pieces of herself back together.An honest exploration of a young woman's soul and a road trip through Italy, America, Paris and...Derby, BECOMING is a book that makes you laugh and makes you cry, but most of all? It makes you realise that even when the going gets tough, no one is really f*cking up like they think they are.(P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Becomings: Pregnancy, Phenomenology, and Postmodern Dance (ISSN)
by Johanna KirkThis book explores postmodern choreographic engagements of pregnant bodies in the US over the last 70 years.Johanna Kirk discusses how choreographers negotiate identification with the look of their pregnant bodies to maintain a sense of integrity as artists and to control representations of their gender and physical abilities while pregnant. Across chapters, the artists discussed include Anna Halprin, Trisha Brown, Twyla Tharp, Sandy Jamrog, Jane Comfort, Jody Oberfelder, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Miguel Gutiérrez, Yanira Castro, Noémie LaFrance, and Meg Foley. By presenting their bodies in performance, these artists demonstrate how their experiences surrounding pregnancy intersect not only with their artform and its history but also with their personal experiences of race, gender, and sexual identification. In these pages, Johanna Kirk argues that choreography offers them tools that are alternative to medicine (or other forms of social representation) for understanding what/how pregnant bodies do and feel and what they can mean for individuals and their communities. The works within these chapters invite readers to see dancing bodies and pregnant bodies in new ways and for their potential to manifest new possibilities.This study will be of great interest to students and scholars exploring dance, theatre and performance, race, and gender.
Bedroom Philosopher Diaries
by Justin HeazlewoodA collection of hilarious and melancholic reports from Justin Heazlewood, aka The Bedroom Philosopher, and his wealth of experience as a touring Folkstar. Read about his epic battles with drunk punters, scatty rockstars, aloof groupies and, mostly, himself. These tell-all tales allow exclusive access to the depths of the performer psyche -Boho Stripped Bare. Each entry grooves with The Bedroom Philosopher's trademark wordplay, Gen-Y commentary and commitment to emotional honesty. Under the glare of the stage lights he explores the ungainly labyrinth of his alter-ego and the puzzling mechanics of the Australian entertainment scene.
Bedsit Disco Queen: How I Grew Up and Tried to be a Pop Star
by Tracey ThornI was only sixteen when I bought an electric guitar and joined a band. A year later, I formed an all-girl band called the Marine Girls and played gigs, and signed to an indie label, and started releasing records.Then, for eighteen years, between 1982 and 2000, I was one half of the group Everything But the Girl. In that time, we released nine albums and sold nine million records. We went on countless tours, had hit singles and flop singles, were reviewed and interviewed to within an inch of our lives. I've been in the charts, out of them, back in. I've seen myself described as an indie darling, a middle-of-the-road nobody and a disco diva. I haven't always fitted in, you see, and that's made me face up to the realities of a pop career - there are thrills and wonders to be experienced, yes, but also moments of doubt, mistakes, violent lifestyle changes from luxury to squalor and back again, sometimes within minutes.
Bedsit Disco Queen: How I grew up and tried to be a pop star
by Tracey ThornI was only sixteen when I bought an electric guitar and joined a band. A year later, I formed an all-girl band called the Marine Girls and played gigs, and signed to an indie label, and started releasing records.Then, for eighteen years, between 1982 and 2000, I was one half of the group Everything But the Girl. In that time, we released nine albums and sold nine million records. We went on countless tours, had hit singles and flop singles, were reviewed and interviewed to within an inch of our lives. I've been in the charts, out of them, back in. I've seen myself described as an indie darling, a middle-of-the-road nobody and a disco diva. I haven't always fitted in, you see, and that's made me face up to the realities of a pop career - there are thrills and wonders to be experienced, yes, but also moments of doubt, mistakes, violent lifestyle changes from luxury to squalor and back again, sometimes within minutes.
Bedsit Disco Queen: How I grew up and tried to be a pop star
by Tracey ThornI was only sixteen when I bought an electric guitar and joined a band. A year later, I formed an all-girl band called the Marine Girls and played gigs, and signed to an indie label, and started releasing records.Then, for eighteen years, between 1982 and 2000, I was one half of the group Everything But the Girl. In that time, we released nine albums and sold nine million records. We went on countless tours, had hit singles and flop singles, were reviewed and interviewed to within an inch of our lives. I've been in the charts, out of them, back in. I've seen myself described as an indie darling, a middle-of-the-road nobody and a disco diva. I haven't always fitted in, you see, and that's made me face up to the realities of a pop career - there are thrills and wonders to be experienced, yes, but also moments of doubt, mistakes, violent lifestyle changes from luxury to squalor and back again, sometimes within minutes.
Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children: Charming Tales of Wealth and Entitlement for Tots Who Were Simply Born Better
by Daniel Foxx'As if Succession was turned into a series of Ladybird books' - THE TIMES'A terribly funny book from an absolutely disgraceful person' -JOE LYCETT'Daniel's writing is hilarious, although it makes me worry about how I'm bringing my children up' - JOSH WIDDICOMBE'Finally! Some stories to shut those little brats up who disturb me at brunch!' -TOM ALLENAuthor and comedian Daniel Foxx presents a wonderful collection of stories especially for the little darlings of the fabulously wealthy - that can also be enjoyed by YOU, the downtrodden, pitiful, ordinary adult!Read about the everyday adventures of Rupert, Shallotte and Genevievette as they ski, holiday, and drift around Selfridges - whilst always keeping a healthy distance from the dreaded hoi polloi!Other magical adventures include:Rupert goes on holiday! But what is 'duty free'? And why do poor people love it so much?Cosmo goes to state school, where the teachers wear jeans and no-one can understand Latin!Lily goes with Daddy to work! And fires Kate from marketing!!BEDTIME STORIES FOR PRIVILEGED CHILDREN is the perfect Christmas gift - whether you're wintering in Aspen, summering in Tuscany, or simply want to keep the little ones quiet in the back of the Range Rover Evoque.***Contains adult language
Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children: Charming Tales of Wealth and Entitlement for Tots Who Were Simply Born Better
by Daniel Foxx'A terribly funny book from an absolutely disgraceful person' -JOE LYCETT'Daniel's writing is hilarious, although it makes me worry about how I'm bringing my children up' - JOSH WIDDICOMBE'Finally! Some stories to shut those little brats up who disturb me at brunch!' -TOM ALLENAuthor and comedian Daniel Foxx presents a wonderful collection of stories especially for the little darlings of the fabulously wealthy - that can also be enjoyed by YOU, the downtrodden, pitiful, ordinary adult!Read about the everyday adventures of Rupert, Shallotte and Genevievette as they ski, holiday, and drift around Selfridges - whilst always keeping a healthy distance from the dreaded hoi polloi!Other magical adventures include:Rupert goes on holiday! But what is 'duty free'? And why do poor people love it so much?Cosmo goes to state school, where the teachers wear jeans and no-one can understand Latin!Lily goes with Daddy to work! And fires Kate from marketing!!BEDTIME STORIES FOR PRIVILEGED CHILDREN is the perfect Christmas gift - whether you're wintering in Aspen, summering in Tuscany, or simply want to keep the little ones quiet in the back of the Range Rover Evoque.***Contains adult language
Bedtime Stories for Privileged Children: Charming Tales of Wealth and Entitlement for Tots Who Were Simply Born Better
by Daniel Foxx'A terribly funny book from an absolutely disgraceful person' -JOE LYCETT'Daniel's writing is hilarious, although it makes me worry about how I'm bringing my children up' - JOSH WIDDICOMBE'Finally! Some stories to shut those little brats up who disturb me at brunch!' -TOM ALLENAuthor and comedian Daniel Foxx presents a wonderful collection of stories especially for the little darlings of the fabulously wealthy - that can also be enjoyed by YOU, the downtrodden, pitiful, ordinary adult!Read about the everyday adventures of Rupert, Shallotte and Genevievette as they ski, holiday, and drift around Selfridges - whilst always keeping a healthy distance from the dreaded hoi polloi!Other magical adventures include:Rupert goes on holiday! But what is 'duty free'? And why do poor people love it so much?Cosmo goes to state school, where the teachers wear jeans and no-one can understand Latin!Lily goes with Daddy to work! And fires Kate from marketing!!BEDTIME STORIES FOR PRIVILEGED CHILDREN is the perfect Christmas gift - whether you're wintering in Aspen, summering in Tuscany, or simply want to keep the little ones quiet in the back of the Range Rover Evoque.***Contains adult language
Bedtime Stories for Stressed Out Adults
by VariousPICKED FOR WORLD BOOK NIGHT 2020THE PERFECT READ TO CALM YOUR MIND IN TIMES OF STRESS**** As recommended by RED magazine ****'Dreamy' STYLIST'Calm and restore an anxious mind before sleep... the most beautiful book that will, without a doubt, put you in the mood for some zzzzzs.' the SUN'Hurrah for a book that draws us away from the cold blue light of the smart phone and into the soothing glow of poems, short stories and extracts' THE SIMPLE THINGS Introduced by Lucy Mangan* * * Tales to soothe tired souls. A night time companion for frazzled adults, including calming stories and poems for a good night's sleep. * * *This cheering book of best loved short tales, extracts and poems will calm and restore an anxious mind before sleep.A good night's sleep is essential for our well being and our health, but in our busy lives sleep is often poor and overlooked. Now is the time to stop a while and find consolation and wonder in other worlds where all is well and sleep just a page or two away. From classic stories by Oscar Wilde, Guy de Maupassant and Katherine Mansfield, to friendly tales of our childhoods, to poetry that reminds us of the simple joys of life, this lovingly curated book will soothe a tired mind and gently carry you to the peaceful land of sleep.So switch off, snuggle down and allow yourself to escape into new worlds and old; magical, mysterious and tender realms that will accompany you to your own sweet dreams.
Bedtime for Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Baby Shark)
by John John BajetSing and dance along with Baby Shark as he gets ready for bed in this playful song and story -- the follow-up to the bestselling picture book!How does Baby Shark get ready for bed?Brush your teeth! Doo doo doo doo doo doo!Take a bath! Doo doo doo doo doo doo!Read a book! Doo doo doo doo doo doo!Off to sleep!Sing, dance, and read along to this brand-new bedtime song, featuring Baby Shark, Mama Shark, Daddy Shark, and more underwater friends. Kids and caregivers alike will delight in this silly illustrated story of a shark family's bedtime routine, full of funny, eye-popping illustrations and a catchy tune you won't be able to stop singing. Also features helpful picture guides so readers can dance along, act out the hand and foot movements, and develop their fine motor skills. By the end of the story, little ones will be laughing, singing, and dancing their way off to sleep with this charming and catchy read-aloud!Are you ready to help Baby Shark get ready for bedtime?
Bedtime for Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo / Duu Duu Duu Duu Duu Duu (Baby Shark)
by John John BajetSing and dance along with Baby Shark as he gets ready for bed in this playful song and story -- the follow-up to the bestselling picture book!Canta, baila y lee esta nueva cancion para la hora de dormir que presenta a Bebe Tiburon, Mama Tiburon, Papa Tiburon y otros amigos subacuaticos. Los ninos y sus cuidadores se divertiran por igual con esta simpatica historia que narra la rutina de una familia tiburon a la hora de dormir, con llamativas y divertidas ilustraciones y una melodia pegadiza que no podran dejar de cantar.¿Estas listo para ayudar a Bebe Tiburon a prepararse para dormir?Sing, dance, and read along to this brand-new bedtime song, featuring Baby Shark, Mama Shark, Daddy Shark, and more underwater friends. Kids and caregivers alike will delight in this silly illustrated story of a shark family's bedtime routine, full of funny, eye-popping illustrations and a catchy tune you won't be able to stop singing.Are you ready to help Baby Shark get ready for bedtime?
Been So Long: My Life and Music
by Jorma Kaukonen"A modern parable." —from the foreword by Grace Slick“Jorma Kaukonen is a force in American music, equally adept at fingerpicked acoustic folk and blues as he is at wailing on an electric.” – Acoustic Guitar“Jorma Kaukonen lit a fuse and transformed his electric guitar into a firework.” – Live For Live MusicIncludes a CD of live music as a companion to the book!From the man who made a name for himself as a founding member and lead guitarist of Jefferson Airplane comes a memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of a musical genius—and a vivid journey through the psychedelic era in America. “Music is the reward for being alive,” writes Jorma Kaukonen in this candid and emotional account of his life and work. “It stirs memory in a singular way that is unmatched.” In a career that has already spanned a half century—one that has earned him induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, among other honors—Jorma is best known for his legendary bands Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. But before he won worldwide recognition he was just a young man with a passion and a dream.Been So Long is the story of how Jorma found his place in the world of music and beyond. The grandson of Finnish and Russian-Jewish immigrants whose formative years were spent abroad with his American-born diplomat father, Jorma channeled his life experiences—from his coming-of-age in Pakistan and the Philippines to his early gigs with Jack Casady in D.C. to his jam sessions in San Francisco with Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and other contemporaries—into his art in unique and revelatory ways. Been So Long charts not only Jorma’s association with the bands that made him famous but goes into never-before-told details about his addiction and recovery, his troubled first marriage and still-thriving second, and more. Interspersed with diary entries, personal correspondence, and song lyrics, this memoir is as unforgettable and inspiring as Jorma’s music itself.
Been There, Done That
by David Fisher Eddie FisherEddie sang at local fairs, talent contests, and bar mitzvahs, until at age fourteen, he got a job singing on Philadelphia radio shows for twenty-five dollars a week. A few years later, a stint at the Copacabana lunched him into Dreamland. By the time he was twenty-one he was one of the most popular entertainers in America, bigger even than Frank Sinatra, with an income in the millions. His life quickly evolved into a whirl of women, money, and fame. <p><p> Eddie's story is more than just an entertainer's memoir: it's the insider tale of two decades of American pop culture and celebrity royalty. Here is a man who romanced, charmed, seduced, and married Debbie Reynolds, Connle Stevens, and Elizabeth Taylor. He drank and caroused far into the night with the likes of Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. His affairs with women from Ann-Margret to Mamie Van Doren were legendary. He shared mistresses with JFK, Sam Giancana, and Sinatra, and was welcomed everywhere from the White House to Las Vegas, back when such a thing actually meant something.
Beethoven
by Maynard SolomonBiography of the composer with selective bibliography and an index of his compositions
Beethoven and the Lyric Impulse: Essays on Beethoven Song (Routledge Voice Studies)
by Amanda GlauertAmanda Glauert revisits Beethoven’s songs and studies his profound engagement with the aesthetics of the poets he was setting, particularly those of Herder and Goethe. The book offers readers a rich exploration of the poetical and philosophical context in which Beethoven found himself when composing songs. It also offers detailed commentaries on possible responses to specific songs, responses designed to open up new ways for performing, hearing and appreciating this provocative song repertoire. This study will be of great interest to researchers of Beethoven; German song; aesthetics of words and music.
Beethoven or Bust: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Listening to Great Music
by David HurwitzA book intended for those people who have a budding curiosity in music of all types, but who don't have the slightest idea of where to begin.
Beethoven the Pianist
by Tilman SkowroneckThe widely held belief that Beethoven was a rough pianist, impatient with his instruments, is not altogether accurate: it is influenced by anecdotes dating from when deafness had begun to impair his playing. Presenting a new, detailed biography of Beethoven's formative years, this book reviews the composer's early career, outlining how he was influenced by teachers, theorists and instruments. Skowroneck describes the development and decline of Beethoven's pianism, and pays special attention to early pianos, their construction and their importance for Beethoven and the modern pianist. The book also includes new discussions of legato and Beethoven's trills, and a complete annotated review of eyewitnesses' reports about his playing. Skowroneck presents a revised picture of Beethoven which traces his development from an impetuous young musician into a virtuoso in command of many musical resources.