On and Off the Record – A Memoir of Walter Legge

By Elisabeth Schwarzkopf | Preface by Herbert von Karajan | Faber & Faber (1982) 

Product Details

• Title: On and Off the Record – A Memoir of Walter Legge
• Author: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
• Preface by: Herbert von Karajan
• Language: English
• Format: Hardcover (1982)
• Pages: 292
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• ISBN-10: 057111928X
• ISBN-13: 978-0571119288
• UPC / EAN: 4230828355051

Overview

On and Off the Record is a compelling memoir by Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century, offering an intimate portrait of her husband, Walter Legge—the legendary record producer and founder of the Philharmonia Orchestra.

This book provides a unique insight into Legge’s career, artistic vision, and his influence on the recording industry, told from the perspective of his closest companion. Through personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and reflections, Schwarzkopf paints a vivid picture of Legge’s contributions to classical music, his relationships with great musicians like Herbert von Karajan, and the highs and lows of their shared life.

With a preface by Herbert von Karajan, this memoir is a must-read for music enthusiasts, historians, and those fascinated by the golden age of classical recordings.

Key Features

• A personal and professional account of Walter Legge’s life and career from Elisabeth Schwarzkopf’s perspective.
• Exclusive insights into the classical music world, including relationships with legendary artists like Karajan, Callas, and Furtwängler.
• An engaging mix of memoir and music history, offering behind-the-scenes stories of great recordings.
• Preface by Herbert von Karajan, adding depth to Legge’s impact on the music industry.
• Published by Faber & Faber, known for high-quality literature on music and the arts.

Interesting Facts

• Walter Legge was a pioneering figure in the classical recording industry, working with EMI and shaping the Philharmonia Orchestra into one of the finest ensembles of its time.
• Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and Walter Legge shared not only a deep personal bond but also an extraordinary professional collaboration that resulted in some of the most iconic classical recordings.
• The book captures the Golden Age of Recording, providing a rare glimpse into how classical music was shaped in the mid-20th century.

Publisher Information

Published by Faber & Faber in 1982 as a hardcover edition, this book remains a significant contribution to music literature.

Are you a fan of classical recordings or curious about the great minds behind them? Share your thoughts!

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