Perfect Pitch

by Nicolas Slonimsky, Electra Yourke

The life of pianist, composer, conductor and musical lexicographer Nicolas Slonimsky encompassed nearly the entire history of 20th century music. His 1988 autobiography, newly expanded by his daughter Electra Yourke, tells the fascinating story of his journey from his native Russia to France and the United States, where he became known as a champion of modern music.

Genres: Music, Biography

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Nicolas Slonimsky (April 27 [O.S. April 15] 1894 – December 25, 1995), born Nikolai Leonidovich Slonimskiy was a Russian-American musicologist, conductor, pianist, lexicographer, and composer.

Throughout his life, Slonimsky wrote extensively for periodicals and newspapers, produced program and liner notes, and contributed to numerous reference works. He is best known for editing Theodore Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians.

Reviews

[B]

An extremely excellent book, and severely non-boring, despite being an auto-biography. This may be partly because Slonimsky himself is such an intriguing and entertaining character to read about, but also partly because he is a pretty good writer and a very astute and funny one at that. If you have even the slightest interest in art music (aka, classical-ish, though Frank Zappa apparently counts as art music too because Slonimsky has a section talking about his friendship with Zappa; he personally knew a LOT of really big musical figures in the twentieth century) at all, you will probably enjoy this book, and even if you don't, there's a chance you'll like it. I mean, this is a guy who, up to his death, remained extremely lucid, and the entire time was brilliant and funny. The fact that he also had a very large impact on music would make this a fascinating text even if it wasn't just fun and interesting to read. But it is. Oh, it is.

[Karl]

Delightfully written account of a fascinating life, a musician born in imperial Russia who went West, served as assistant to Serge Koussevitsky in Boston, was the agent for the premiere of Ives' Three Places in New England, and appeared as guest pianist at a Frank Zappa concert/happening. Not your average Joe (or Nick).

[Vincent Hernot]

Extremely engaging, self-deprecating yet self-respecting memoirs from a second-rate musician who very obviously was first-rate as well. He never became the player or composer he may have hoped to become, but he certainly was good at it. But in true Slonimsky style, he plays down his achievements and makes it sound as if it was all down to luck.
His life certainly was interesting in itself: from student at Sint Petersburg's Conservatory to refugee in Poland to hanger-on in Paris, musician in London and then expat to the States where he became rather famous: all this on the strength of an obviously first-class musicianship and, it would seem, an engaging personality.
And that's to say nothing of his multiple anecdotes on the world of music, his serious attempts at music theory, his telling of conducting modern works (with one arm beating 3/4 and the other beating 7/4...!!), his relationship with major modern composers etc.
Very, very nice.

[Mynameisandycostello]

A fascinating man, who presents his Forrest Gump-like life with a breath of humor, and a sigh of reminiscence. A must-read for all lovers of classical music, Russian music, American avant-garde, linguistics, and history.

[sofie jacobsen]

This book is hilarious. I was cracking up all throughout because of the jokes and stories he would tell. It's probably one of my favorite books ever. Nikolai is egotistical- and completely aware of it, but he's kind and gentle, too. It was really cool to delve into the world of a Russian composer.

[Avis Black]

An enjoyable and humorous memoir by a musical prodigy. Slonimsky is one of the great characters of classical music.

[Will]

Entertaining life story of quirky conductor/musicologist/composer who rubbed shoulders with many of classical music's greats (as well as Frank Zappa).

[Chris]

Slonimsky's secret? I don't act my age.

[Elizabeth Fewtrell]

I just love Slonimsky. Absolutely hilarious at times, and such a fascinating life. Prepare to have your vocabulary expanded.