Awards/Selection Lists:
- Nonfiction titles from ALSC Notable Books lists 2002-2013
Brief Summary: Did you know that Avedis Zildjian was originally a candymaker, his namesake the original maker of the cymbal 300 years previous, in Turkey? Leo Fender was a radio repairman, and Laurens Hammond, whose name is found on grandma's classic organ in the living room, invented 3-D glasses! Men like this weren't necessarily music makers themselves, but they forever changed the face of American music by their innovation and imagination just as much, and in some cases more, as the musicians chronicled in this book, who took a chance and improved the profession that they loved, while starting businesses that would become household names.
Personal Reaction: I love to heard the history behind instrument makers, and the effects that they had on music of the day. There is a lot of music history in this book, packed between the stories of instrument makers, that makes this book dual purpose. The tone is charming and personable, with a lot of excellent pictures and illustrations. I particularly like the story of Heinrich Steinway (formerly Steinwegs) making pianos in his kitchen, and how he literally changed the shape of the piano, as we know it today, his family even building their own concert hall so that musicians could exhibit their talent, and the instrument simultaneously.
Did you know that during World War II they actually stopped making pianos and started making airplanes, and even the great brass horn maker Conn was making military navigation instruments?! Martin, Fender, Ludwig, Moog...these men are legends in the industry, developing innovations, techniques and instruments of distinction for decades and even centuries, and all are covered in this book as well. No matter where you look, these folks survived tragedy, death and the odds to bring music and their dreams to the American people, and people across the world really. It's also interesting to note that MANY of these incredible artists, had families that immigrated from Germany.
The book is also made all the better because each purchase goes toward continuing music education in schools.
Did you know that during World War II they actually stopped making pianos and started making airplanes, and even the great brass horn maker Conn was making military navigation instruments?! Martin, Fender, Ludwig, Moog...these men are legends in the industry, developing innovations, techniques and instruments of distinction for decades and even centuries, and all are covered in this book as well. No matter where you look, these folks survived tragedy, death and the odds to bring music and their dreams to the American people, and people across the world really. It's also interesting to note that MANY of these incredible artists, had families that immigrated from Germany.
The book is also made all the better because each purchase goes toward continuing music education in schools.
Front/Back Matter:Title Page, copyright page, table of contents, introduction, content, "A Closing Note", Notes (including sources), index.
Content Evaluation: The content in this book is amazing. Stashed in the margins and between photos and histories of these famous instrument makers are the types of music and big names in the industry who influenced, or were influenced, by the instruments and makers themselves, showing how the world and industry changed over time, and how one development influenced the other in a symbiotic relationship.
There are a phenomenal amount of resources included, in additional to the basic bibliography, and quote sources are listed by chapter, so it is easier to believe in the authenticity and accuracy of the information presented. The historic photographs and illustrations really carry along the story and make it more exciting that the title could possible suggest. It can get a little long for those not terribly interested in the subject, and even I had a hard time staying interested by the time I reached my favorites (Martin and Fender), but I highly encourage the reader to wade through each chapter. You'll find some amazing stories of perseverance, tradition and innovation.
There are a phenomenal amount of resources included, in additional to the basic bibliography, and quote sources are listed by chapter, so it is easier to believe in the authenticity and accuracy of the information presented. The historic photographs and illustrations really carry along the story and make it more exciting that the title could possible suggest. It can get a little long for those not terribly interested in the subject, and even I had a hard time staying interested by the time I reached my favorites (Martin and Fender), but I highly encourage the reader to wade through each chapter. You'll find some amazing stories of perseverance, tradition and innovation.
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