LoveReading Says
‘Fernando: Beethoven of the Guitar’ by Lou Marinoff is an interesting historical piece. Using fictional threads to “connect the dots” of a very real life, this book is both informative and entertaining and the first in a trilogy that shines a light on guitarist-composer Fernando Sor. The story flows through the famed Spanish composer’s early life, patronages, his participation in the Napoleonic Wars and his escape to France.
Because Fernando became such a notable figure in Spain at the time, this is not just the story of one man. The author has skilfully woven the macrocosm of Spanish history and Napoleon’s many wars and ambitious plans for Spain into the story of this classical composer. I think, because of the author’s ability to weave in so much detail about the wider context and setting for the first part of Sor’s story that it would appeal to history fans, classical music fans, art historians and those who enjoy reading historical fiction. As the author says himself “where history is mute, creativity can speak” and in ‘Fernando’ creativity is an apparently seamless (to a layperson anyway) restoration on a brilliant though perhaps not well-known musical figure.
‘Fernando’ is cleverly and artfully written. The storyline is fluid and manages to engage while ever expanding to create a rich and vibrant masterpiece based on the greatest guitarist-composer of his time.
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Lou Marinoff Press Reviews
Beautifully written and meticulously researched … a fascinating account of the amazing life of Fernando Sor, the greatest virtuoso and composer in the history of music for guitar.
— Santiago del Rey, Editor and Translator, Barcelona
A magical and wondrous tale, and a treat for the senses, restoring Fernando Sor to his rightful position as a ‘son of Spain’ who took the guitar to unimaginable heights.
— Michèle de Gastyne, President, Musique Universelle Arc-en-Ciel, Paris
Both an act of love and an act of homage, this romantic historical novel reveals Marinoff as a spellbinding storyteller. The sheer range of reference is immense; a truly inspiring read.
— Colin Clarke, International Classical Music Critic, London
Fernando is a tour de force. So vivid is the style, Marinoff’'s great love and affinity for Sor are evident throughout. Bravo on an engrossing account of this fascinating genius!
— Maestro Cesare Civetta, Founder and Music Director, Beethoven Festival Orchestra, New York
All classical guitarists know how important Sor was to their world, but this book goes far beyond that … a most enjoyable and informative read for people from all walks of life.
— Peter McCutcheon, Professor of Classical Guitar, The University of Montreal
A delightful embroidering of a history, through a Europe you probably didn’t know much about, with a level of gusto that is unlikely to be equaled. Hats off to Marinoff for this astonishing book!
— Jan Narveson, Ph.D., O.C., Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Waterloo, and President, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society
A rare triumph that combines historical fiction with philosophical romance. Lou Marinoff offers us a virtuoso performance, entwining music, mystery, and metaphysics in a gripping tale.
— Makarand R. Paranjape, Ph.D., Professor of English Literature, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla
Marinoff conveys the spirit, manners, and social conditions of a past age with realistic detail and fidelity, framed in beautiful prose … a welcome and exceptional gift.
— Juan Carlos Mercado, Ph.D., Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies, Center for Worker Education, The City College of the City University of New York
Lou Marinoff, Ph.D., is Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, and an internationally bestselling author. He publishes scholarly works, popular philosophy books, and fiction.
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