Norman Lebrecht

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
# Title Year
1 The Song of Names 2002
2 The Game of Opposites 2009
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
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 2001
12 The Life and Death of Classical Music 2008
13 Why Mahler? 2010
14 Genius & Anxiety 2019
15 Why Beethoven 2023