Santa Monica Arts Parents Association – Samohi Serenade 2024
Auction Ends: Oct 13, 2024 09:00 PM PDT

Books

BOOK: I Knew A Man Who Knew Brahms by Nancy Shear

Item Number
179
Estimated Value
32 USD
Leading Bid
18 USD
Number of Bids
4  -  Bid History

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Item Description

I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms by Nancy Shear

Published by Regalo Press / Simon & Schuster, February 11th, 2025

Winning bidder will receive the book in February 2025.

A vivid personal account of a Golden Age in classical music—the second half of the 20th century—providing a rare, behind-the-scenes view of the inner workings of a top symphony orchestra.

Nancy Shear was only fifteen when she began sneaking into Philadelphia Orchestra concerts through the stage door, and seventeen when she was hired as a member of the orchestra’s library staff to help prepare the music; one year later, she became Leopold Stokowski’s musical assistant. Being young and female, she was a pioneer in both positions.

I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms takes readers into the homes, studios, and minds of legendary artists with whom Shear shared close personal relationships, including Stokowski, Mstislav Rostropovich, Eugene Ormandy, and others with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Many of these brilliant and talented artists were also outrageous, egocentric, and tyrannical. Throughout this book, Shear topples more than a few revered musicians from their podiums and their pedestals.

A literary welcome mat to the beautiful world of classical music, this memoir is accessible and engaging for all. It brings readers into rehearsals and concert halls, revealing the choices musicians must consider, and what conductors, players, and composers really do.

A heartwarming story about passion, determination, and survival, I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms explores music at its core. No reader will ever listen to music the same way again.

Item Special Note

Generously donated by the Senior Family.

About the Author:

Nancy Shear’s remarkable background includes twenty years as an orchestra librarian for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis Institute, and privately for Leopold Stokowski, Lorin Maazel, and others. Her articles have appeared in major outlets, and she has written a book called The Three Tenors. Shear has lectured for the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Caramoor Festival; hosted broadcasts of the New York Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, Frick Collection, and Naumburg Foundation; had her own interview programs on WNYC; and served as commentator for the American Public Radio Network. She has taught at New York University’s School of Continuing Education, NYU’s Vernon Center for Foreign Affairs, The New School, and has lectured at The Juilliard School, Manhattan School, and Mannes College of Music. Shear has also lectured on the life and work of Eleanor Roosevelt. Nancy is a graduate of Temple University and The New School.

 

Winning bidder will be contacted within 5 business days of auction close using the information provided by bidder on the Bidding for Good registration. Please check that your information is up-to-date. Item will be available for delivery or pickup in Santa Monica at that time by mutual arrangement. Electronic transfer may be possible in some cases, or item can be mailed/shipped with insurance at the winning Bidder’s expense (est. $10) and tracking number will be provided for parcels. Thereafter, the shipper, not Samohi Choir or SMAPA, is responsible for successful delivery. In the event that a company, organization or event goes out of business, is cancelled, or is no longer able to provide the donated service, no refunds will be issued and your generous contribution will become a tax-deductible donation to Samohi Choir in support of arts education.

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