Historian Guy Graybill undoubtedly loves music as well as history. So if you’re a fan of either one, I’m sure you’ll want to consider his latest book, Bravo! Greatness of Italian Music, published by Dante University Press.
I must say right away that I very much enjoyed this writer’s brilliant presentation of what many will see as an important historical text with detailed and well-documented information on the chosen topic. That is very true! But there were subtle little touches that added to my personal delight, such as:
ยท Your use of Acts instead of the common “chapter” to separate your material.
His choice to feature both Sinatra and Pavarotti on the cover to show the breadth of their content.
Your inclusion of small pieces of personal opinion and / or humorous jokes that would normally never appear in a meaningful research effort; for example, his personal comment on ballet: “What wickedness resides within the male soul that drives men to create ways of physically limping women?” (p. 144)
And finally, the inclusion of many historical images, as well as many beautiful handcrafted portraits from Dante University Press.
Don’t doubt that this book will become a great reference for music students!
The back cover reads: “Italians were so busy creating and performing excellent music that they forgot to tell the great epic story of their wonderful achievement.” In fact, the author has “shown … that the Italian contribution to music is overwhelmingly superior.” (p. 234) His curtain on that same page provides 14 areas of music in which Italians excel! Obviously, the creation of fine instruments, operas and symphonies are just a few.
Let me illustrate simply by highlighting names that many of you will easily recognize: Gregory, who composed the Gregorian chants; Stradivari, manufacturers of string instruments; Paganini; Monteverdi, the first genius of opera; Verdi; Caruso; Pavarotti; and, one of my favorites, Andrea Bocelli, who is involved in both opera and more modern music and even has his singing in a commercial, how cool is that!
If you don’t recognize those involved with classical music, how about: Anna Maria Alberghetti, Mario Lanza, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Jim Croce, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Frankie Lane, Jerry Vale, Sonny Bono, Jerry Colonna, Perry Como , Tony Bennett and, of course, Frank Sinatra.
Just imagine! I have highlighted only those people whose name you will probably recognize. I think you will find that this book goes far beyond a student’s text! Anyone interested in music will find the personal stories and biographical information of these people fascinating.
From Italians and Italian Americans, there has been “more lost music” than others have created! That’s a powerful statement, right? Graybill has the stats, the numbers, to back this up if that interests you. I believe that anyone who stops to think about the great music that they have come to love will realize the impact that the musical genius of Italy has had on all of their lives.
Graybill has put on an outstanding performance, a great triumph for both the story and the music! Consider this a must read for music students and professionals! For others, enjoy this writer, as I did, as I read small details like: “Do corpses really roll inside their graves if something disturbing happens in the world of the living? If so, there is no doubt that the corpse of opera composer Amilcare Ponchielli gave a couple of turns during the 20th century … especially if you heard the “blockbuster musical parody in which the soulful music of Amilcare is sung with the opening words,” Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah … “(pp. 98 -99) You’re going to enjoy this one!
