A Walk On The Wild Side: A Memoir By Pianist Earl Wild

Available again - a memoir by the esteemed American pianist Earl Wild who died in January of 2010 at the age of 94. He began working on this memoir in the 1970s. This release is the soft-bound edition of the book that was first released in 2011 as a hard-bound version. Now re-edited to 720 pages, it includes 19 interesting chapters and a complete recorded discography. This is an informative book that covers the beginning of early radio from the 1920s and 30s and the beginning of early television which began in the late 1930s by someone who was there and experienced it. It also covers almost all of the major musicians and composers of the 20th century. There is an in-depth master class chapter that lays out the proper performing technique as well as chapters that deal with the art of improvisation, performing, composing (including piano transcriptions), and music criticism. The book is a major addition to the study of classical music along with personal anecdotes and amusing stories about the colorful and famous names of the 20th century told by one of the great pianists and wits of the century - Earl Wild. This book is a who's who of most of the important individuals and artists who lived in the 20th century. A must-read by both musicians and non-musicians alike!