Norman Lebrecht is a British author, commentator, and novelist renowned for his expertise in music and cultural affairs. Born in London in 1948, he has written twelve books on music, translated into 17 languages, including "Why Mahler?" and "Mahler Remembered." His debut novel, "The Song of Names," earned him a Whitbread Award in 2003, followed by his second novel, "The Game of Opposites." Lebrecht's works often explore the intersections of music, history, and identity, reflecting his deep engagement with classical music and its societal impact.
Beyond his literary achievements, Lebrecht has had a distinguished career in journalism, serving as a columnist for "The Daily Telegraph" and assistant editor of the "Evening Standard". He has hosted radio programs such as "lebrecht.live" and "The Lebrecht Interview" on BBC Radio 3, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in cultural commentary. His columns have been anthologized, including a collection published in China, marking a first for a Western cultural writer. Lebrecht continues to contribute to publications like "The Strad", offering insights into the world of string music.
Lebrecht remains active in curating cultural events, such as the "Why Mahler?" series on London's South Bank, and is involved in various creative projects, including a stage play and radio and television documentaries. His upcoming works and ongoing contributions to music and literature underscore his enduring influence in the arts.
Standalone Novels
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Song of Names
2002
2
The Game of Opposites
2009
Non-Fiction Books
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Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Discord: Conflict and the Making of Music
1983
2
Hush! Handel's in a passion
1985
3
Book of Musical Anecdotes
1985
4
Mahler Remembered
1987
5
A Musical Book of Days
1989
6
The Maestro Myth: Great Conductors in Pursuit of Power
1992
7
Music in London
1992
8
The Companion to 20th Century Music
1993
9
Who Killed Classical Music?
1997
10
When the Music Stops
1997
11
Covent Garden, the Untold Story: Dispatches from the English Culture War, 1945-2000