NEW YORKER music writer and author of acclaimed books Alex Ross offers a sweeping examination of how Richard Wagner's operas broke musical barriers and intersected with the culture of Belle poch Europe and the politics of Nazi Germany. As he delivers this 28-hour presentation of his latest book, Ross's vocal tone and vocal confidence fall short of the ideal. And despite his serviceable articulation and phrasing, fans of Ross's writing will notice that his musical insights, characteristically expressed in complex sentences full of context and esoteric details, seem less accessible in spoken-word format. But for Wagner devotees and students of philosophy and the arts, Ross's performance is good enough. The vast supply of knowledge about the writers, artists, and political figures of Wagner's era herein makes this audiobook a treasure trove of musical and cultural insights.
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
Duration: 28 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250770110
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.
Orzabal relates his history as a rock star with a conscience. Orzabal is a member of Tears for Fears, the 1980s pop duo that continues to record and perform. Their early ubiquitous hits remain staples on streaming services and movie soundtracks. Orzabal relates his unique path to stardom and shares the difficult story of his life of artistry and tragedy in a weathered British lilt. While his artistic compatriots may have enjoyed the usual spoils of pop stardom, Orzabal sought primal scream therapy. Orzabal's performance here is engaging and therapeutic.
A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063455153
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 21, 2026
Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.
Joseph offers a completely original look at Stephen Sondheim’s life—as a game and puzzle aficionado. A master of musical theater, Sondheim believed lyrics were “an elegant form of puzzle.” He hosted game nights at his home with celebrities Leonard Bernstein, Meryl Streep, Tony Kushner, and many others. Joseph describes games such as Hostilities, The Murder Game, and cutthroat Anagrams. Quotes from other Sondheim biographies and numerous personal anecdotes reveal that some critics felt Sondheim’s game nights were self-indulgent, held only to prove he was the smartest person in the room, while others agreed that the nights were occasionally mean-spirited and frequently naughty but always fun.
Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 29 mins
DD ISBN: 9798216552475
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2026
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