Never mind the title and the index
The title betrays the fact that there is much information in this little book that would be of interest to music lovers of all persuasions. First published in 2003, it is, of course, a bit dated, as a lot has happened in the world of music since then. Nevertheless, what is on offer makes it interesting, informative and entertaining.
A few examples for starters:
>One learns that Elvis Presley 'only ever played one encore - at a comeback gig in Hawaii'.
>How many people who listen to classical music are familiar with the seating plan of an orchestra? An illustration reveals all. We learn that 'violins are the most numerous instruments in an orchestra' and that they 'are usually made of at least 70 different parts' .
>Johann Sebastian Bach has overshadowed more than 70 other members of his clan who were also connected to music - probably the most gifted and illustrious musical family in history. The Bachs are honoured with a page to themselves.
>A section on 'critics' gives us some delightful quotations. For example, this one from Jean Sibelius: 'Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been put up to a critic.'
Let me add my own trivia about this book. One should never judge a book by its cover alone, but my 'Sanctuary' edition of this title has something that many books nowadays lack: a sturdy and appealing binding and an attractive dust jacket. The index doesn't always help - for example, Presley and Bach are there, but many others mentioned in the book are not e.g. Sibelius and Wagner.
I think this book would make a wonderful gift to anyone interested in music of any kind. There is even a section about snake charmers and their music.
