“In a stunning and innovative performance, piano maestro James Rhodes introduces today’s readers to seven of the greatest composers of all time.”
Synopsis
Classical music isn’t generally thought of as edge-of-your-seat exciting, but for abused teen turned piano maestro James Rhodes, it was life-saving.
Open your mind to some of the most breathtaking and magnificent pieces of music ever created, and find out why the rebels and revolutionaries who wrote them are responsible for every track on your phone today. Discover their backstories and how each one shaped and defined classical music. Learn about the structure of an orchestra, the language of music, and the history of musical periods. With jaw-dropping artwork and avant-garde design, this visually exquisite celebration of classical music is a surefire hit for both first-time listeners and longtime fans. Budding aficionados will appreciate the online playlist featuring James Rhodes’s favorite selections.
#MelAndNikkiReview
James Rhodes Playlist: The Rebels And Revolutionaries Of Sound is a great book on seven composers who changed history and inspired millions.
Reading this book took me back to Grade 7 and 8 when I learned about these composers in music class. However, back then I didn’t appreciate what I was learning and the impact it had in our music today. This book helped piece all that together for me (many many many years later). Absolutely loved the rich history and the playlist that James includes in the book which is absolutely perfect. It is recommended to listen as you go through the book. You can check it out on Spotify or you can visit tinyurl.com/jamesrhodesplaylist to give it a listen. I loved it!
I loved revisiting each composer and learning some new things too. For example, that Bach is considetrd the Godfather of music as he poured his feelings into his music on a daily basis which inspired future artists to do the same. I have to admit that he is my favorite composer too.
This book offers so much knowledge in a fun way and I love how there is a language of music definitions in the back. It really helps anyone grasp the language of music which is so powerful. Therefore, I give this book 5 stars out of 5!
This book is great for ages 12+ and for those with a deep appreciation for music.
If you would like to purchase a copy, click here.
About the Author
James Rhodes is a best-selling author, TV presenter, and celebrated concert pianist dedicated to bringing classical music into the twenty-first century. His sell-out concerts at pop music venues, with no coats and tails in sight, are bringing classical music to new audiences worldwide. He is the first core classical pianist to be signed by Warner Bros. Records, the world’s largest rock label. Originally from London, he lives in Madrid.
Until the age of 14, James Rhodes had no formal music education, and at eighteen, he stopped playing the piano entirely for a decade. Since returning, Rhodes has dedicated himself to presenting classical music with an irreverent enthusiasm that appeals to younger and diverse audiences who might otherwise find it intimidating. Rhodes has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues; he has released seven albums, all of which have topped the iTunes classical charts; and written four books. James Rhodes has appeared in and made TV programs for the BBC, Sky and Channel 4 including his series James Rhodes: Piano Man, Notes for the Inside, and his two-part TV documentary Don’t Stop the Music which raised over £1 Million of instruments for U.K. primary schools.
His Sunday Times and international bestselling memoir, Instrumental, was published in 2015. A brutally honest and compelling story, even in its darkest moments Instrumental remains “an impassioned tribute to the therapeutic powers of music.” A feature film adaptation of Instrumental, directed by James Marsh (The Theory of Everything) and starring Andrew Garfield (Breath, The Amazing Spider-Man) as James Rhodes, is slated for release in 2020 produced by Monumental Pictures with Lionsgate Films. For more information on James Rhodes, click here.
About the Illustrator
Martin O’Neil is an artist and illustrator who creates unique handmade images using a vast collection of found ephemera and photography. He develops his images through a subtle alchemy of collage, silkscreen, and photocopies. A constantly moving array of processes and media fuel his practice, which includes writing and experimental filmmaking. Martin O’Neill lives in London.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
-Momma Braga
*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
