Book description
The moving story of Rachmaninoff's years in exile and the composition of his last great work, against a cataclysmic backdrop of two world wars and personal tragedy.In 1940 Sergei Rachmaninoff, living in exile in America, broke his creative silence and composed a swan song to his Russian homeland. What happened in those final haunted years and how did he come to write his farewell masterpiece, the Symphonic Dances?Rachmaninoff left Petrograd in the throes of the Russian Revolution in 1917. He was 44 years old, at the peak of his powers as composer-conductor-performer, moving in elite Tsarist circles and running the family estate, his refuge and solace. He had already written the music which, today, has made him one of the most popular composers of all time: the second and third Piano Concertos and two symphonies. Reeling from the trauma of a life in upheaval, he wrote almost no music and quickly had to reinvent himself as a fêted virtuoso pianist, building up untold wealth and meeting the stars, from Walt Disney and Charlie Chaplin to his Russian contemporaries and polar opposites, Prokofiev and Stravinsky. Still, the melancholy of leaving his homeland never lifted.Using a wide range of sources, including important newly translated texts, Maddocks' immensely readable book conjures impressions of this enigmatic figure, his friends and the world he encountered. It explores his life as an emigré artist and how he clung to an Old Russia which no longer existed. That forging of past and present meets in his Symphonic Dances (1940), his last composition, written on Long Island shortly before his death in Beverly Hills, surrounded by a close-knit circle of Russian exiles.
Rosie Bird
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Skylark
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver!
Demo
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. 📱🔊
Necessary Momentum
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Pepper Mouse
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it!
Tabasco Dracula
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use.
Trash Master
Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Flash
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Irish Dze
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a huge plus during long drives.
Kazmii
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Joker's Grin
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. 🚶♀️📖 Walking my way through exciting narratives – this app makes exercise more fun! 🏞️🎧 ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
GuTzd
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️ Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Universe Bullet
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
Succubus In Training
🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏
Old Felix
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks!
Frosty
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Fl00d
🎉📚 This app has rekindled my love for books – I can't stop listening! 🚀🎧 🎧 An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand – this app is pure convenience! 📚🌟
DZE
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Poptart AK47
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 The app's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a true companion for all occasions.
ThoughtTracer
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. The app never crashes. It’s reliable and stable.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience