James Rhodes' Playlist
A visually stunning introduction to classical music from piano maestro and bestselling author James Rhodes.
"Rhodes makes classical music accessible, relatable, and exciting. It is hard not to be swept up - Rhodes writes with such enthusiasm and thoughtfulness that readers will be dying to listen to the Spotify playlist he shares ... Rhodes makes history and music come alive. Surreal, psychedelic collages ... make the book an eye-popping visual experience as well. A dynamic and infectious introduction to classical music." - Kirkus
Bach. Mozart. Beethoven. Old guys with curly wigs, right? But trust me: those composers were the original rock stars.
Let me introduce you to some of the most breathtaking and magnificent pieces of music ever created. We'll meet the rebels and revolutionaries who wrote them - did you know Beethoven peed into a chamber pot he kept under his piano? - and find out why they're responsible for every track on your phone today. The world of classical music is going to blow your mind.
So take some time out to listen to the online playlist I've curated for you as you read. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff and Ravel: the perfect introduction to classical music.
With jaw-dropping artwork and avant-garde design, this visually exquisite celebration of classical music is encased in a stunning slipcase and features a large fold-out poster as well as an accompanying online playlist of the pieces being discussed. It's the perfect gift for older children and adults alike who want to explore classical music, but aren't quite sure where to begin.
James Rhodes (Author)
James Rhodes was born in London in 1975. A keen piano player, at eighteen he was offered a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, but went to Edinburgh University instead. He ended up working in the City for five years.
Thankfully, he eventually returned to the ivories. James is now a celebrated concert pianist dedicated to bringing classical music into the twenty-first century. His sell-out concerts at pop music venues, with no coat and tails in sight, are bringing classical music to new audiences worldwide. His memoir, Instrumental, was published to great critical acclaim and became an international bestseller.