Showing results by author "Richard Fleischman" in All Categories

Uncover the haunting stories behind the missing masterpieces of classical music in Richard Fleischman's The Lost Symphonies: Mysterious Deaths and Vanished Manuscripts. This gripping exploration takes readers deep into the mysteries of some of the greatest musical compositions that were never heard—or heard only in fragmentary form. From the tantalizing rumors of a “lost” symphony by Mozart to the shadowy figures surrounding the final works of Mahler and Beethoven, this book brings to light the eerie stories of vanishing manuscripts, suppressed symphonies, and compositions destroyed ...

The Castrati: Their Lives, Their Music, Their Legacy in Opera’s Golden Age (Rediscovering Classical Music) For over two centuries, they were the superstars of the opera world—revered, envied, and worshipped like demigods. With voices that defied nature, soaring effortlessly from haunting whispers to dazzling virtuosity, the castrati became the most celebrated and controversial figures in music history. Yet today, their names are barely remembered, their once-glorious voices lost to time. In The Castrati, renowned performer and music historian RIchard Fleischman pulls back the curtain on...

Dive into the enchanting world of opera where musical mastery meets literary brilliance! In "From Page to Stage: The Literature Behind Great Operas," seasoned violist and longtime principal player of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, Richard Fleischman takes readers on an illuminating journey through the rich tapestry of stories that have inspired some of the most beloved operatic works in history. Drawing on decades of experience performing works by iconic composers like Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini, as well as witnessing the evolution of new operas—including the Grammy-winning Cold Mountain ...

The Art Song Handbook is a comprehensive exploration of one of classical music’s most expressive genres. Whether you are a musician, student, or music enthusiast, this book provides an accessible yet scholarly journey through the history of art song, tracing its evolution from its early roots to the vibrant and diverse works of the 21st century. With detailed chapters on iconic composers like Schubert, Brahms, and Debussy, alongside lesser-known figures from around the globe, The Art Song Handbook offers a deep dive into the music, poetry, and cultural contexts that shaped these ...

Forgotten Scores: Broadway's Lesser-Known Creators by Richard Fleischman Tired of reading the same books about Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sondheim, and the usual Broadway legends? Unheard Voices is for the true Broadway superfan who craves something different—something deeper. Richard Fleischman’s meticulously researched collection of 120 essays takes you on a thrilling journey through the forgotten, the overlooked, and the lost creators of Broadway. This is not a book about the names you already know—this is about the composers and lyricists whose works shaped the Broadway we love, but ...

Discover the thrilling, often shocking stories of opera’s greatest forbidden works in The Forbidden Operas: Banned, Lost, and Forgotten Works from the Opera World. Journey through the world of classical music where composers, driven by vision and passion, pushed the boundaries of their time, only to have their masterpieces censored, suppressed, or lost to history. Why were these operas banned? How did politics, power, and societal norms influence what was allowed on stage? From the suppression of Mozart’s secret Masonic symbols to the fiery revolution in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera, ...

For every celebrated diva and legendary tenor whose names echo through history, there are countless opera singers whose voices once dazzled audiences but have since faded into obscurity. Lost Arias: Rediscovering Forgotten Opera Starsuncovers the lives, triumphs, and tragedies of these artists—singers who captivated the world before vanishing from public memory. From the breathtaking virtuosity of 18th-century castrati to the emotional intensity of 19th-century prima donnas and the electrifying performances of 20th-century sopranos and baritones, this book spans over three centuries of ...

The Mad Genius of Classical Music: Mental Health and the Creative Minds of Composers offers a compelling exploration into the lives of some of history’s most celebrated classical composers and the mental health struggles that profoundly shaped their music. This thought-provoking book takes a deep dive into the personal lives and psychological struggles of composers like Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Schumann, and many others. It explores how their battles with mental illness—from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder, psychosis, and substance abuse—were inextricably tied to ...

Throughout history, music has not only reflected the world around it but has actively shaped the course of history. In Music That Changed the World, this powerful connection is explored through a curated collection of iconic compositions that became anthems of revolution, resistance, and social change. From Beethoven’s Eroica, originally dedicated to Napoleon and reimagined as a symbol of political upheaval, to Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony, performed in defiance against Nazi tyranny, these pieces of classical music are more than just works of art—they are the soundtracks of ...

In Revolutionary Requiems, renowned author and music scholar Richard Fleischman takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the hauntingly beautiful and profoundly moving history of requiem music. This monumental work explores how composers from Mozart to the present day have used the requiem mass as a powerful tool to memorialize the dead, reflect on grief, and navigate the complex relationship between life, death, and the divine. From the iconic Requiem of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the modern, avant-garde works of composers like Britten, Penderecki, and Schnittke, this book delves ...

THE FORGOTTEN COMPOSERS: Musical Geniuses Who Disappeared from History is a captivating exploration of the overlooked figures who shaped the classical music landscape. From revolutionary symphonic innovators to pioneering women and artists silenced by political oppression, this book highlights the composers whose works once dazzled audiences but have since faded into obscurity. Through compelling narratives and in-depth profiles, the book uncovers the stories of these forgotten geniuses, from Ruth Crawford Seeger’s avant-garde vision to Mieczysław Weinberg’s bold symphonies, and from ...

Step behind the curtain of opera’s most scandalous moments in this captivating exploration of drama, betrayal, and passion. From diva meltdowns to composers’ dark secrets, Opera’s Most Outrageous Moments unveils the untold stories that have shaped the art form’s legacy. Discover the shocking backstage drama, the feuds that erupted into public spectacles, and the real-life chaos that often rivaled the intensity of the performances themselves. With sharp wit and unforgettable tales, this book takes you on a thrilling journey through opera’s wildest stories, from fatal onstage ...

Chamber Music: From Classical Roots to Contemporary Echoes By Richard Fleischman Primaviolista Press Chamber music has long been celebrated as the most intimate and expressive form of classical music, where small ensembles create profound musical conversations. In From Court to Concert Hall: The Rise and Relevance of Chamber Music, Richard Fleischman takes readers on an engaging journey through the evolution of this beloved art form—from its origins in the salons of the 18th century to its modern innovations. Blending historical insight, musical analysis, and vivid storytelling, this book...

Out in the Spotlight: Broadway Musicals and the LGBTQ+ Community Broadway has always been a stage for transformation, but for the LGBTQ+ community, it has been a sanctuary for self-expression, a space to challenge societal norms, and a platform for voices that were often silenced. Out in the Spotlight delves deep into the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation in musical theater, from subtle subtext and coded messages to the bold, unapologetic stories we see today. Written by a lifelong theater lover and accomplished musician, this book offers an insider’s look at the intersection of Broadway...

A Grand American Stage: A Comprehensive History of Opera in the United States Opera in America has always been more than music—it is a reflection of the nation’s evolving cultural, social, and artistic identity. A Grand American Stage is the most comprehensive exploration of opera’s journey in the United States, from its earliest days in makeshift theaters to the grandeur of the Metropolitan Opera and the rise of regional companies that bring this art form to every corner of the country. Renowned music historian Richard Fleischman takes readers on an immersive journey through more ...

“Queer Opera: The Hidden History and Impact of LGBTQ+ Voices on the Stage” is an illuminating exploration of opera’s profound and complex relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. From its roots in the baroque era to the modern, inclusive productions of today, this book charts the powerful, often hidden narratives of queer artists who have shaped and been shaped by the world of opera. Written by Richard Fleischman, a life-long lover and practitioner of opera, this book takes readers on a personal and intellectual journey through the often-overlooked history of LGBTQ+ figures in opera. ...