Michael Kennedy (1) (1926–2014)

Richard Strauss's long life spanned nearly a century, from the consolidation of Wagner's fame in the 1860s to the age of post-serialism and the dawn of electronics when he died in 1949. For 79 of his 85 years he composed songs, chamber music, a series of tone-poems and the great ballets and operas which he created for the legendary stars of Dresden and Vienna. He was also one of the outstanding conductors of his time, directing opera companies in Weimar, Munich, Berlin and Vienna. This study of Strauss's music challenges the view that he was a reactionary figure, and argues that he was misrepresented and misunderstood, particularly in his relationship to the Third Reich. It also contradicts the received opinion that Strauss's genius declined after "Der Rosenkavalier". In this new edition, the author has considerably expanded both the biographical section and his discussion of Strauss's music.… (more)

In this biography by one of England's foremost writers on music, William Walton's personality emerges in all its complexity and self-contradiction. Michael Kennedy portrays a creative artist completely committed to his art yet plagued by misgiving and doubts, prey to insecurity and frustration, vulnerable to criticism, and jealous of the achievement of others. At the same time he was witty and generous, bore no grudges, and enjoyed the loyalty of a host of friends. Appointed his biographer by the composer himself, Kennedy has had access to correspondence with many of the friends and colleagues who were important in Walton's life, among them Siegfried Sassoon, Benjamin Britten, Malcolm Arnold, and Andre Previn.… (more)