The King and the Composer, 7 Dec 2005

By	Ralph Blumenau (London United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

It is, however, only in fits and starts that this philosophical theme is pursued. For the rest, the book consists of two separate narrative biographies with little contact between them, chapters on Frederick alternating with chapters on Bach. Both men had strong and interesting personalities; and the accounts of their lives are very readable. Readers who have some technical knowledge of music will find the analysis of Bach’s work most illuminating; those who have no such knowledge will find those pages heavy going - but even they will come away with the realization that Bach set down his notes not only to make brilliantly complex pattern but that they were a remarkably “literal” rendering of the philosophical and theological ideas they expressed. Anyone who can follow this analysis will share Gaines’ worship of Bach. As for Frederick, he is hardly someone whom any sane person can worship; but Gaines brings out very well the devastating effect which a terrible childhood had on crippling Frederick as a human being.

Although, with its three separate parts (philosophy and two biographies), the book lacks real unity, anyone who is interested in the 18th century will find it very rewarding.

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