[.uk] Wild Harmonies: A Life of Music and Wolves (ISBN 1594489270)

A true example of the "It's all about me" culture:
I received this book as a gift, because I come from a family that operates wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers. As a person who has worked with wolves, I really looked forward to a good read, hopefully something that explored the difficulties faced by all rescue workers, and exotic animal rehab centers in particular. I was gravely disappointed. The majority of references to wolves were from European religious texts, and as an American Indian, I was really struck by the fact that there was very little reference to wolves in the Americas. The portrayal of wolves, historically, was framed almost entirely within European terms, and while I understand that the author is French, I feel that she basically played pick and choose in order to build her own self purported image of the "wild woman". Wolves aren't portrayed as a passion, as effort, as complex in their own behavior and history, so much as glossed over as a crutch in her own justification for her self immolative behavior. The inherent build of character I noticed in this book, was of a woman who believed that as a talented artist, she was entitled to absolutely disregard the emotions and practicalities of everybody around her. As a human, she came across as utterly egotistical, and it seemed that the entire book was her way of justifying her "me first" attitude in the framework of "I can't help it, I'm compulsive, uncontrollable, and unimitable, I'm just a wild woman, I'm a wolf in human skin, I can do whatever I want because I'm beautiful, intelligent, talented, and therefore superior beyond your strictures." This kind of naked and unabashed refusal to accept personal accountability is hardly what we need to see glorified in print, although unfortunately, it is all too pervasive. For those who have enjoyed her music, I can only hope that she displays more depth of character in her playing than she did in her writing. I can say that I won't be searching for her cd's any day soon. Perhaps it is all too disturbing to me, the vacancy of soul disguised as a higher calling to art, for me to be okay with pursuing it further. This book may have value to those who enjoy music, but to those who are hoping for an informative read on wolves, keep browsing.

Too much music, too few wolves:
With no disrespect intended towards the author, I bought this book because I thought it was about wolves. A fraction of it is, but the bulk of this work is a biography of the authors life as a concert pianist. Wolves were not even mentioned until almost 200 pages in. In this regard, I found the book a disappointment. Music lovers, however, should get alot out of it. The cover photo is breathtaking, if not a little misleading.

A little irony:
Atrocious, not the least to say for the poetic foul ups from her admirers. Worth reading, then tossing for Rosalyn Tureck.

Interesting Book:
Well-written and insightful, it makes an interesting read. Grimaud is to be congratulated for her personal strength. Discussions about music are slightly unusual but enlightening in view of the academic language that dominates classical music debates today and bores everybody to death. Grimaud makes a case for personal and poetic approach to music discussions. From that point of view, this was a very refreshing book to read. References to animal world and the world of magic and myth make the book even more compelling and intriguing. Pianists will not, however, find too many secrets there about her career or practicing habits. Not even the regular piano world gossip.

Beautiful, energetic and sensitive:
This rising artist has a deep sense and understanding of the various feelings and emotions that Beethoven had in his heart and soul when composing this music that are translated by Grimaud into a very beautiful,sensitive and masterful interpretation of his Piano Concerto No. 5...listening to this performance is truly a wonderful experience.