The Mastery of Music: Ten Pathways to True Artistry
November 13, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.
The Mastery of Music: Ten Pathways to True Artistry
By Jill Williams
Barry Green is an accomplished double bassist with the California Symphony. He is also an entertaining fellow. He has written a book based on his research into what makes a musician truly an artist. Through his experience he has found certain things to be true. Within each component of an ensemble, the musicians take on a particular personality trait that sets them apart from their colleagues. For example, the author denotes that his own section, and those musicians who play the tuba, trombone, and double bass, find the FUN in music. Their personalities lean toward the practical joker side, and they find ways to be artists while embracing their fun side.
The author also depicts other strong characteristics such as: passion in those playing the cello, courage in those playing the French horn and percussionists, tolerance in those playing violas, confidence in those playing the trumpet, and concentration in those solo instruments: violin, piano, classical guitar and harp. There are also descriptions of composers, teachers, and other instruments not mentioned above. In each section, the author has spoken to the true artist of their instrument, and found certain truths to how they bring out the artistry in their playing. From Doc Severinsen to Yo-Yo Ma, the author has interviewed the greats and shares some of their wisdom with the reader.
If you are a musician and you would like to find inspiration and examples of how to bring your playing to the next level, this book will probably be a wonderful resource to you. If you love classical music and enjoy attending the symphony, you will probably also be entertained by the personal stories of the musicians you listen to. If you are not interested in classical music, and do not play an instrument, then this book will probably not hold your attention. Not because it isn't well written and full of information, but because it is a specific reference to artists and musicians and not very broad in scope.
Jill does laundry for a 7 year old who thinks he's too old for toys, a 5 year old gymnast, a 5 year old niece who has joined the family, and a 3 year old computer whiz. She also occasionally irons her husband's suits. In between loads, Jill loves to read.