Crossing Paths: Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms

Rating:
Summary: Great topic, but know your music theory!
Review: Crossing Paths deals with the confluence of three of the greatest composers of the nineteenth century, and the influence they had on each other. The interactions are absolutely fascinating. I am a decent amateur pianist and know a moderate amount of music theory. In places, this book went past my level of understanding. Nonetheless, I could glean the broad outlines, and was still able to appreciate the combined influences evident in the music of these three composers. The discussion of whether or not Brahms and Robert Schumann used code in the music to honor Clara was interesting. A lot of time was spent on the musical relationship between Brahms and the Hungarian violinist Joachim--not part of the title, but certainly another important "crossing path". However, if one does not have a pretty solid background in musicology and music theory, I would be somewhat hesitant to recommend the book. If you have such a background, and love Romantic music, you will likely enjoy it very much.