Arthur J Lieb

Musical Curiousities, Oddities and Liszts [sic] Arthur J Lieb

"Musical Curiosities, Oddities and Liszts [sic]" is a popular book written for lovers of music. It does not require an "expertise" in musical knowledge. As the author states in the introduction- "This is a book of total enjoyment. It is not meant to be read in one evening or even a week. It is full of information that will not make you rich, get you a promotion, or even make you smarter. But I do hope for some "wows," a chuckle, and a 'boy, that is interesting.'" "Musical Curiosities, Oddities and Liszts [sic]" is a collection of little known facts, events, and lists about the composers, music, and performers of classical music, the Broadway stage, and jazz. It concentrates on music from the Baroque to contemporary performance artists. There are quizzes, a list of the full names of composers, classified lists of program music (insects and animals, celebrations, sports, transport and places, etc.), musical humor and satire, the firsts of everything in American music and performance, and a section on the shortest and longest of everything music. The book includes several anecdotes written and supplied by well known composers, accomplished performers, academicians, and music administrators. There is a section devoted to music written to be performed in the sky, in a swimming pool, around Arctic ice floes, and a café. Politicians and world leaders are represented in sections on their musical abilities and political censorship. Children composers, musicians with handicaps, unusual deaths of musicians and a pictorial spread of buskers and another of unusual pianos are included. To round out the book are sections on the history of recordings and broadcasts, a list of unusual music museums, and another on music festivals. A suggested reading list includes a list of two dozen "off beat" books on music. The book is profusely illustrated by photographs taken around the world by its author and engaging and humorous line drawings by Kim Borrego, a well-known Boulder artist.