Singer Reviews

Hempel was, as her recordings clearly show, one of the century's finest sopranos. It also turns out she was one of its finest autobiographers as well. The book was dictated and checked by the soprano before her death in 1955, shortly after which the German edition appeared and for which she wrote the prefact two days before her death. Remarkably, an English version was written prior to the German version but, for reasons known only to Hemple, was never published. Elizabeth Johnston, the diva's friend, deserves our thanks for her efforts on behalf of the English version.

What makes this book so refreshing, aside from the lack of a ghostwriter, is its highly readible style and worthwhile content. Those, like myself, who are tired of the vacuous, vapid "I sang here", "I sang there" litany will find Hempel a candid writer and one who can write modestly yet entertainingly of her long career that included singing with Caruso and under the baton of Toscanini. Had she not been a remarkable soprano, she would have been an equally fine writer.

The book is highly recommendable to vocal aficianados and anyone who cares to meet a fascinating, great lady.

I never thought that I could sympathize with a woman who threw furniture. Edith Piaf is so full of love in her honesty about her wretched start in life, that after a few chapters I was ready to forgive anything. Drug addiction, alchoholism, squandering money, desperate liasons, you name it, and this was the '50's. Is that Piaf singing on the old record in the subway scene in Amelie? Maybe that's why I bought the book but I liked it, anyway.

I bought this book when it first came out twenty years ago. Mrs. Crosby gives a very good insight into the man to whom she was married for almost 20 years and, yet, you never get the impression she gives away more than Bing Crosby would have wanted her to. Their marriage is described as one in which both parties loved each other very much, and yet one that, like any other, had its ups and downs. Mrs. Crosby writes very well and with great humor often poking fun at herself. Its a very enjoyable book filled with wonderful photos.

In the wake of a nasty breakup, I read this book. I have learned so much--it was a wonderufl synthesis of ideas which had been, without my knowledge, conditioning my lousy relationship!

Ok, for those of you who don't know, this is Pat Boone's personal story of how he came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through discovering that the Holy Spirit is a real person, not just an abstract theological concept. Because this is his personal story, as well as that of how his family came to the same experience, that is how it reads: as informally as if he were sitting with the readers in their own living rooms, having a conversation. The section of his book telling how his daughters were filled with the Holy Spirit is something I often find myself going back to and rereading when I am emotionally low; it picks me up every time! To make a possibly not-long-enough story short--get this book and read it. I don't believe you will be disappointed, especially if you're looking for meaning and purpose to life.

The New Tax Guide For Artists Of Every Persuasion: Actors, Directors, Musicians, Singers, And Other Show Biz Folk, Visual Arts And Writers is an essential, core reference for anyone who makes their living in any aspect or field of the performing arts, the visual arts, or the literary arts. Succinct, accessible, superbly presented information is enhanced with a listing of useful IRS publications, descriptions of the most relevant IRS forms, and blank spread sheets for recording earned income and keeping a monthly travel expense diary. If any part of your taxable income is derived from the arts, then The New Tax Guide For Artists Of Every Persuasion is an invaluable reference for you -- even if you have already engaged the services of public accountants and financial managers to assist you.

"McNally carefully outlines the place of music within Ojibwe culture and contrasts Ojibwe ideas concerning music with the place of hymnody among nineteenth-century evangelical Protestants. He argues convincingly that the performance of translated musical texts gave nineteenth-century Ojibwe a distinctive idiom for religious expression. Today, Ojibwe hymn singing continues to provide a rich resource of language and culture and promotes the survival of their culture. Highly recommended."

...Singer explores not only human loneliness but also the human comedy in his short works..the theme of course centers around love, a love that transports you far away, washing you with a tide of emotions...though these tales drawn from the old traditionary school of thought, celebrate the dignity, mastery and unexpected joy of living with moreart and fervor than any other writer...

This classic collection explores the varieties of wisdom gained with age and especially those that teach us how to love....the love that ages and matures...just like old wine tasting even better day by day, year after year and tear after tear...these are tales of curious marriages, of divorces, of love curses, bravery and loneliness...

Hyun Höchsmann's study of the philosophy of Peter Singer is a significant contribution to our understanding of some of the major developments in contemporary philosophy, as well as of the ideas and arguments of one of the most articulate and influential philosophical essayists of recent decades. Peter Singer has been a pioneer in applying the powerful tools of philosophical analysis to the major social and ethical issues of our time (and perhaps of all time).

Höchsmann's book offers a very concise and lucid overview of Singer's writings, and a balanced evaluation of their strengths and possible vulnerabilities. It is written with great clarity and elegance.

Raziel Abelson

Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
New York University