classical music

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Madoka Hino, "Sibelius - Music Ambassador of Ainola Manor" - Recommended biography of Sibelius, the Finnish masterpiece!

Sibelius' homeland, Finland, was under Swedish rule until 1809 and then under Russian rule. After the Russian Revolution led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, the country was repeatedly attacked on a large scale and involved in fierce fighting.

This biography also teaches the history of Finland, which was continually threatened by such a great power.

Europe through Classical and Western Art

HINO Madoka, "Symphony of War: The Truth about the 345th Day of the Leningrad Blockade" - Extreme Conditions of the German-Soviet War and the Power of Art

This book looks at the greatest battle of the 20th century, the war between Germany and the Soviet Union, from the perspective of music. Moreover, as Madoka Hino states, the book follows in detail the struggles of individual members of the orchestra, who usually do not receive much attention.

What meaning does music have in the extreme situation of wartime?

This book is a great one to learn about the tense situation at the time.

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Hino Madoka, "Prokofiev - Music for Whom?" ~ A biography recommended to learn about the suffering and life of the genius musician of the Soviet Union!

Hino Madoka's brush with the Soviet era of oppression from the perspective of a musician is nothing short of astonishing. She does not merely lay out historical facts, but vividly tells the story of his harsh life as a narrative. The "advantages of biography," which allow us to learn about the historical background as well as the people, shine through more than ever. Every time I read Madoka Hino's writings, I am amazed.

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Hino Madoka, "Borodin, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov: 'Powerful Friends' Who Overcame Stormy Times" - Recommended for understanding the 19th century Russian music world!

I have been a big fan of Madoka Hino's storytelling from the moment I read her first book, thus this biography series.
Why am I so drawn to Hinomadoka's narrative?"

The answer was in this book. To my surprise, Madoka Hino was a literary person who had been familiar with Russian literature since junior high school and high school!

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Madoka Hino, "Tchaikovsky - "Traveler Returning to Klin" - A biography recommended to learn about Tchaikovsky's life!

I originally began studying Russian and European history and literature to learn about Dostoevsky, and it was very interesting to learn that there was such a battle between the "Western" and "Slavic" factions in the world of musicians here.

We will create our own culture that we can be proud of in Europe. This enthusiasm is still very much in my heart. I also recommend this biography.

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Hinomadoka Hino, "Bizet - The Man Who Dedicated His Life to the Theater" - Recommended biography to learn about the life of Bizet, the composer of Carmen!

Reading this biography, I felt a connection between the literature, art, and history I have studied. The moment of connection is still a very powerful moment for me. This is why I can't stop reading. For me, it's the moment when I say, "Oh, I didn't know that! I didn't know that! is one of the greatest joys of reading. This book was also a most interesting and stimulating work.

This work is also recommended to learn about the situation in France in the middle of the 19th century.

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Hino Madoka, "Biography of a Musician: A Book to Read at the Beginning, Bartók" - Recommended biography of Bartók, the great Hungarian composer!

As a Hungarian, Bartók continued his lifelong quest to discover what their music was and what its roots were. This biography provides an insight into Hungarian affairs from the end of the 19th century to the end of World War II. The book also tells the story of Hungary's situation at the time and its relationship with the Nazis. It is a recommended biography to know the historical background of the time.

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Hinomadoka "Bernstein - Share the Love" - Recommended biography of Bernstein, composer of West Side Story!

He is a first-rate conductor, composer, performer, and educator. He has even produced a critically acclaimed television program.

And above all, his amazing vitality! I was astonished by his energy to keep up with a murderous schedule that would surely cause a normal person to collapse.

This is a wonderful biography to learn about the life of Bernstein, one of America's greats!

Europe through Classical and Western Art

Hinomadoka "Verdi - "Aria of the Sun" - Recommended biography of Verdi, composer of Aida!

この伝記を読んで驚いたのはヴェルディの堅実な生き様、死に様でした。

これまで様々な作曲家の人生をこのシリーズで見てきたのですが、ほとんどどのお方も尋常ではない波乱万丈ぶりでした。

しかしこのヴェルディは一味違います。

「こういう形もあるんだな」という新たな発見をすることができた伝記でした。面白いです!