Imogen Holst (1907–1984)

I'm currently using this little book as my go-to reference for terminology. One of the frustrating aspects of learning a new discipline, and music is no different, is the use of many different terms for the same thing, or one term used differently in different contexts. Imogen Holst is a helpful guide through what would otherwise be, for me, a regularly opaque subject. Although she focuses primarily on older music styles and history, she lays a solid foundation for further learning. I like her explanations of the origin of symbols and how written music developed. A wonderful book.… (meer)

At a mere 95 pages, it is tempting to pass over this biography in favour of a more meaty offering. Thank goodness that I did not! This is a wonderful invocation of Benjamin Britten.

Imogen Holst, the author, worked with Britten for many years and, whilst this is a very lean telling of the great man's story, it is one laced with affection and understanding. Anyone who has followed my reviews - and by some miracle retained their sanity - will know that the most important criteria that I set to the biography of a creative talent is whether the biographer makes me want to revisit the subject's work. I may cut this piece short as I need to rifle my CD collection for every work of Britten's that I possess.

It is amazing to realise just how much Ms Holst has managed to squeeze in to a book of so few pages and so many illustrations because, not only have I been treated to Britten's life story, I have also been given an understanding of why he produced many of his greatest works. Naturally, a composer's work should stand unaided, but comprehension of the mindset and circumstances which lead to the birth of a piece of music adds an extra dimension and this little work has done that for me.

If you read nothing else about Benjamin Britten, I strongly advise you to devour a copy of this excellent book. If you are a Britten fan, it will add to the pleasure and if you are not, it just might convert you.… (meer)