Irving Berlin: New York Genius

Irving Berlin is arguably the greatest composer of American popular music, and James Kaplan's biography, "Berlin: A Life," offers a fast-moving, musically astute portrait of him. The book explores the interplay of Berlin's life with New York City and uncovers his unique brilliance as a composer of music and lyrics. Jewish Lives is a prizewinning series of interpretative biography designed to explore the many facets of Jewish identity.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 424 pages
\n Publication date: 03 January 2020
\n Publisher: Yale University Press
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Irving Berlin, widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of American popular music, is the subject of an engaging and insightful portrait featured in the Jewish Lives series. This captivating account, meticulously researched and penned by James Kaplan, provides a comprehensive contextualization of Berlin's life and achievements within the framework of Jewish immigrant New York and the vibrant tapestry of modern American popular culture.

Renowned composer George Gershwin, among others, has bestowed upon Irving Berlin the prestigious title of the greatest songwriter of the golden age of American popular music. Jerome Kern, another legendary composer, expressed a contrasting viewpoint, asserting that Berlin's contributions to American music are indispensable and form an integral part of the country's musical heritage.Spanning an astonishing nine decades, Berlin's prolific career yielded an astounding fifteen hundred compositions, including timeless classics such as "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "God Bless America," and "White Christmas." These melodies have etched themselves into the very fabric of American national identity, transcending eras and genres.

In his captivating narrative, James Kaplan delves into the intricate interplay between Berlin's life and the vibrant city of New York. Through a vivid and empathetic portrayal, Kaplan unveils Berlin as a self-made man, showcasing his resilience, determination, and wit as a Jewish immigrant. This fast-paced, musically astute biography delves into Berlin's exceptional brilliance as a composer of both music and lyrics, unveiling his unique artistic vision.

Kaplan's writing is masterful, exhibiting a deep psychological insight into Berlin's character and motivations. The book underscores Berlin's enduring relevance in American popular culture, highlighting his ability to adapt and evolve with the times. Jewish Lives, a prestigious series of interpretative biographies, aims to explore the diverse facets of Jewish identity. Each volume in the series pairs renowned subjects with accomplished authors, fostering lively and deeply informed narratives that delve into the profound impact of Jewish figures on various fields, including literature, religion, philosophy, politics, cultural and economic life, and the arts and sciences.

In conclusion, Irving Berlin's life and musical legacy are intricately intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of Jewish immigrant New York and modern American popular culture. James Kaplan's meticulously researched and captivating biography in the Jewish Lives series offers a profound exploration of Berlin's remarkable journey, highlighting his unparalleled brilliance as a composer and his enduring influence on American music and society. Through this insightful portrayal, Berlin's legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the profound impact of artistic expression and the enduring power of cultural heritage.

\n Weight: 636g\n
Dimension: 156 x 218 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780300180480\n \n