Book description
Translated by Jonathan ReederWhen Stalin came to power, making music in Russia became dangerous. Composers now had to create work that served the socialist state, and all artistic production was scrutinized for potential subversion.In The Sound of Utopia, Michel Krielaars vividly depicts Soviet musicians and composers struggling to create art in a climate of risk, suspicion and fear. Some successfully toed the ideological line, diluting their work in the process; others ended up facing the Gulag or even death. While some, like Sergei Prokofiev, achieved lasting fame, others were consigned to oblivion, their work still hard to find.As Krielaars traces the twists and turns of these artists' fortunes, he paints a fascinating and disturbing portrait of the absurdity of Soviet musical life - and of the people who crafted sublime melodies under the darkest circumstances.
Cooger
I appreciate the option to listen to samples before committing to a book. 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.
Trash Master
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
Wiccan Trouble
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy.
Sly Silvermoon
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing different formats has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary listening sessions. 📱🔊
Senior Smurf
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Mud Finger
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Divine Bramble
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Darkside Hooker
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play – it's genius! ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Brick Mooch
Simplifying audiobook adventures – this app's ease of use is a delight. is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. I love the auto-bookmark feature. It saves my place automatically. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Blister
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Tone adjustment is so cool. It's like customizing the reader's voice to my liking.
Toxic-oxide
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. 💼 Merging work and pleasure – audiobooks keep me company during house admin tasks! 💻🎧 Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable.
NightWonka
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Pogue
The ListenBook app has become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me learn and relax simultaneously. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
London Fox
The range of self-help and personal development audiobooks is truly enriching. 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫
SneakerKid
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey.
Darkside Orbit
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Light Lion
Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊 The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all audiobooks. Full of useful features.
Irish Dze
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
Voluntary
I'm hooked on this app – it's like Netflix for book lovers! I can't believe how much I've learned and enjoyed through this app's audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Star Killer
The ability to switch between devices seamlessly is a game-changer for busy readers. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a game-changer. Controlling my audiobooks from my wrist is genius.
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