The Harlequin Years

"The Harlequin Years presents a highly readable yet thorough examination of the Parisian music scene in the decade following World War I. Through Nichols's lively prose and in his accounts of institutional politics, reception histories, and behind-the-scenes debates, these places and personalities spring to life."—Susan McClary, author of Conventional Wisdom

Based on the author's series of 12 programmes broadcast on BBC Radio 3, this is an account of the classical music scene in Paris between 1917 and 1929. It notes the currents of these "turbulent waters", as well as the numerous personalities, and a few statistics.

Few decades in the life of any European city have been as rich in musical personalities & achievements as the 1920s in Paris. This book charts a nimble course through this remarkable era, noting currents as well as personalities, telling stories as well as pondering the occasional philosophical problem. Through the whole book runs the double thread spun by Jean Cocteau in his little volume ¿Le coq et l¿harlequin¿: the warp of the traditional French cock being pulled by the weft of the foreign, multicolored harlequinade. The spirited narrative shows that this was also an uncertain time, as the war had cast doubt on old assumptions. Some composers continued with traditional forms, though each brought to them his own highly personal language & syntax. Illus.

It was the time when the English came across the Channel to take the battle to the French.

Into Anita Blake's world-a world already overflowing with power-come creatures so feared that centuries-old vampires refuse to mention their names.