Notes of a Moscow Pianist

Rating:
Summary: An excellent look at an artist's life in Soviet Russia
Review: I must admit that I'm prejudiced. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr Paperno in recital at the University of North Dakota while stationed in the USAF some 20 years ago. In that recital he introduced me to the music of Scriabin and I have never heard it played with greater intensity or more poetry. Therefore, I am happy to finally read his memoirs and, like many of his contemporaries, his view of the life of an artist in Soviet Russia is riveting. If I have a quibble about this book is that it isn't much longer. I sincerely hope Mr Paperno will favor us with a book discussing the music he plays so well, especially the misunderstood Scriabin. I can recommend this book to fellow pianists, historians, music lovers, and those who just enjoy a "good read". Too bad Amadeus didn't include a CD of his recordings with the book. Get it anyway!