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The Cello and the Nightingales

The Life of Beatrice Harrison

Beatrice Harrison author Maria Popova editor Patricia Cleveland-Peck editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Canongate Books

Published:9th May '24

Should be back in stock very soon

The Cello and the Nightingales cover

This memoir chronicles the life of Beatrice Harrison, a cello prodigy who famously performed with a nightingale, captivating audiences worldwide.

In The Cello and the Nightingales, readers are introduced to the extraordinary life of Beatrice Harrison, a cello prodigy who captivated audiences around the world. Her unique talent was not just in her ability to play the cello, but in her remarkable collaboration with a wild nightingale. In May 1924, the BBC aired a groundbreaking performance featuring Beatrice and the nightingale, which drew over a million listeners. This innovative duet not only showcased her musical prowess but also sparked a renewed interest in the nightingale species, which was facing decline at the time.

The memoir takes us through Beatrice's inspiring journey, from her early days as a musical prodigy to her collaborations with renowned composers and her heartfelt performances for wounded soldiers during the Second World War. Her life was filled with music, passion, and a deep connection to nature, making her story both captivating and poignant. The book highlights how her duets with the nightingale resonated with audiences and transformed the way people viewed these beautiful birds.

Patricia Cleveland-Peck's classic account of Beatrice's life is reissued with a new introduction by Maria Popova, who provides context and insight into Beatrice's enduring legacy. The Cello and the Nightingales is not just a memoir; it is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of music to bridge divides between species.

A woman not ahead of her time but beyond it -- MARIA POPOVA
A cultural moment not dissimilar to the moon landing -- SAM LEE
Beatrice Harrison played while birds sang and she played while bombs fell during the Blitz. An indomitable musician with this blissful innocent spirit -- STEPHEN NACHMANOVITCH

ISBN: 9781805300182

Dimensions: 200mm x 130mm x 13mm

Weight: 165g

192 pages

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