Book description
Accustomed to being centre stage, international award-winning singer Ian Bostridge, like so many performers, spent much of 2020 and 2021 unable to take part in live music. It led him to question an identity previously defined by communicating directly with audiences. This enforced silence allowed Bostridge the opportunity to explore the backstories of some of the many works that he has performed - works such as Claudio Monteverdi's seventeenth-century masterpiece Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda and Schumann's ever popular song cycle Frauenliebe und Leben. The complex world of a single song by Ravel from the Chansons madecasses has always haunted and unnerved Bostridge, while his immersion in Benjamin Britten's confrontations with death, in life and art, have given him much food for thought. Based on his Berlin Family Lectures, delivered at the University of Chicago in the Spring of 2020, Bostridge guides us on a fascinating journey beneath the surface of these iconic works. His underlying questions as a performer drive the narrative: what does it mean for audiences when a singer inhabits these roles? And what does a performer's own identity subtract from or add to the identities inherent in the works themselves?
Gabriel Dandelion
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fine—good narration, decent story—but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Racy Lion
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Lady Katniss
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind.
Guillotine
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is top-notch. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Lilac Lizard
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Athens Fire
Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. 📱🔊 Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧 AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Murder Cherry
My child has also fallen in love with audiobooks, all thanks to the app's kid-friendly collection. ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 I've never experienced such a smooth audiobook player. The playback is seamless.
Swing Setter
The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Reno Monarch
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
1st Degree
With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
CloudFrenzy
🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Kabuki
I can't believe I waited this long to discover the joy of audiobooks through this app. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
StorySculptor
I've been able to explore different cultures and perspectives through a diverse range of books. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
Silver Cup
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ListenBook's support for various formats ensures that no audiobook is out of reach.
NightWonka
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. ListenBook's attention to detail in design and functionality sets it apart from other audiobook apps. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality to a new level.
Cabbie
ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Midnight Bat
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true – no more hassles! The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Pogue
ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. I love the car mode. It’s so convenient for listening while driving. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
StormCake
🧘♀️☕ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories – the ultimate way to unwind! 🍵📖 ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Alias Stick
I've never been this excited about my daily commute – thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook’s audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
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