Dangerous Melodies

Jonathan Rosenberg provides a richly textured portrait of how classical music, with its concentration of German and Russian repertoire and performers, could fixate American communities and give rise to sentiments across the political spectrum, from knee-jerk nationalism to subtle reflection. The result is an engrossing story that illuminates an earlier era while serving as a cautionary tale for our own. -- James M. Keller, program annotator of the New York Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony Riveting and eye opening, Dangerous Melodies tells the story of a long period in American history when classical music played an intensely dramatic role in how US citizens viewed world events, often fearing for their very safety if certain performances were to take place. Thoroughly researched and well written, the book offers both scholar and general reader invaluable information through gripping stories of intrigue, heroism, and villainy. -- L. Michael Griffel, chairperson of the Music History Department, Juilliard School Jonathan Rosenberg's important book provides a panoramic yet fascinatingly detailed-and often surprising-view of the political role played, willingly or otherwise, by classical music and musicians in the United States through much of the twentieth century. Highly recommended for anyone who cares about the intersection of art and politics. -- Harvey Sachs, author of Toscanini: Musician of Conscience Backed up by meticulous scholarship, Dangerous Melodies is clearly motivated by a great love for music; throughout this tribute to its emotional power, the author poses insightful and disturbing questions about the political uses that can be made of humanity's deep need for artistic communication. -- Eugene Drucker, founding member, Emerson String Quartet, and author of The Savior Classical music aficionados will find much enjoyable lore from a time when the music was at the center of international rivalries. -- Publishers Weekly A thoroughly researched and engrossing history...Richly detailed and freshly illuminating. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Rosenberg masterfully tells these stories. -- Booklist It's remarkable how much Rosenberg's detailed study applies to current events and cultural discourse...A clear-eyed and perspicacious work for classical music scholars and fans and anyone interested in the intersection of politics and culture. -- Library Journal Authoritative....not only valuable and fair-minded history but an unceasingly engaging series of tales. -- Tim Page - Washington Post A riveting and illuminating book. -- Lloyd Schwartz - Wall Street Journal