Edgard Varese

Publisher and industry reviews

UK Kirkus review

The life of eclectic, forward-thinking composer Edgard Varese (1883-1965) is chronicled here in detail by well-respected music writer Alan Clayson, author of the bestselling and highly regarded Backbeat. From a childhood characterized by domestic unrest and emotional abuse at the hands of a domineering father, Varese's love of music developed despite the odds stacked against him. After attending the 1895 Concerts Cologne in Turin and being enthralled by Debussy's evocative Prelude A l'Apres-Midi, he began a musical career that helped to shape not only the modern classical sound but also 20th-century modes of thinking. From France to Berlin, New York and the Netherlands, his experimentation with sound earned him an impressive following, including the legendary Frank Zappa. Heralded as 'the great emancipator of noise' by The Sunday Times, Varese remains one of the most highly respected, original and talented musical intellectuals of the last century. This is the first English language biography of him and it's a compelling read. Considering that Varese was a revisionist with a tendency to adjust his past to suit himself, Clayson has done a remarkable job of presenting a balanced picture of his personality, achievements and relationships. In addition, Clayson provides us with an interesting insight into the development of 20th-century modern thinking, which helps to create a multi-dimensional narrative that manages to hold its grip on the reader's attention throughout. This is a thoughtful, intimate and revealing look at a man who wasn't afraid to push accepted boundaries as far as they would go in the name of music. (Kirkus UK)

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