The Man with the Golden Flute: Sir James, a Celtic Minstrel

by James Galway

The internationally acclaimed, widely beloved flutist reflects on his storied career Sir James Galway is one of the top musicians of our time, with a dazzling career that has spanned five decades and many genres of music. Now he celebrates his seventieth birthday with a look back on his incredible career, during which he has traveled around the world many times over and made countless friends, including legends from the worlds of classical and popular music. He reflects on the challenges he faced coming from the poverty of working-class Belfast and making the decision to go solo as a flutist, as well as the triumphs as he made his way to the top of his profession.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Gerald C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book for me as a flautist but also as a musicologist. Galway's election to the Berlin Philharmonic is the stuff of legend. Interestingly this book has been revised from the original version which had a more fanciful account of the Berlin Philharmonic audition. There is also a mystifying passage about Galway growing a beard which he maintained was not allowed in the Berlin Philharmonic at the time and yet other members of the orchestra had beards as well. Apparently he was not allowed to appear on video and yet there is footage of Dvorak Symphony No. 8 in Japan where Galway is playing principal. This raises more questions than answers.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this and was so sad when it was over. It reads like he’s having a fireside chat with you. I love his Irish speech mannerisms too. As a flutist, I found it inspiring and educational. It’s a great story of how a kid from very humble beginnings became a superstar and trailblazer in the world of classical (with crossover) music, his love of the flute and playing the flute propelling him every step of the way. Reading it, I felt it was an act of generosity, born of Sir James wanting to pass on what was given to him in case it’s useful (and entertaining) to us. Which it is.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first bit of the book where he talks about his beginnings. It's easy to read, but a little short on information. I would have liked to know a bit more. Unfortunately once he starts his solo career the rest of the book is more and more about name dropping, not about music at all and not about himself either. It becomes a simple list of famous people he met (who are all either "charminng" or "a hoot" and all think Galway is a fantastic guy). This was not enough to hold my interest, there's not enough information, not enough of his own thoughts... it seems like he just rushed through writing it because he had better things to do (playing the flute I guess, which is what I love him for).
I liked his book "flute" much better.

[Emily Speller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This autobiography, written by Sir James Galway, provided insights into his career as a world renouned flautist. While I found it to be not terribly well written, it still was worthwhile for a better appreciation and understanding of the flute world and players within it. :)

[emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

the first bit was pretty engaging; getting to know how james galway grew up and his journey to get where he is now. but then for the last fifty pages or so it was like an ongoing list of stuff he did and people he met, and suddenly i found myself wishing for the book to end sooner.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! As a fellow flutist, Sir James Galway is are role model and it is great to hear his story!

[Junyan Boon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love James Galway and this book re-inspired me to resume intensively training my flute skills!

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very self-involved (an autobiography after all), but interesting, showing his path to fame and the wonder of the flute. A bit skimpy on family details. Not sure how many kids he has or if they’re still in his life. No mention of them after the two divorces. Fantastic discography.
Mostly recommended for flute players, especially those who admire his playing, as I do. Perhaps also for young musicians as a description of an ambitious musical life, moving from small local Irish bands, to private lessons, to studying with better teachers, working at orchestra jobs and how those work and then to becoming a soloist and a world-famous soloist on his chosen instrument.