... a rare kind of biography and autobiography: a clear and elegant exposition of fact, as well as a humane portrait of a great piano virtuoso, composer, teacher, and democratic soul, as told to and seen through the eyes of one close to him. Mark Mitchell
Ernst von Dohn?nyi (18771960) was one of the most highly respected musicians of his time. The young Dohn?nyi enjoyed an international prestige that brought him into contact with such 19th-century masters as Johannes Brahms and Eug?ne dAlbert. He is remembered for his technique and interpretive skills as a pianist and conductor, as well as for the masterpieces he composed for piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. As a teacher and administrator, Dohn?nyi was responsible for the training of an entire generation of musicians in Hungary, and for helping to shape the countrys musical culture. After World War II, his career foundered when he was falsely accused of being a Nazi sympathizer. In 1953, at the age of 76, Dohn?nyi returned to international prominence with a triumphant re-debut at Carnegie Hall. Ernst von Dohn?nyi: A Song of Life, written from a firsthand perspective by Dohn?nyis widow, is the first full English-language biography of the artist.
[This] engaging narration by Ilona von Dohnanyi presents a vibrant picture of a musician of exceptional stature, gifted ?with a resilient personality, incredible energy and admirable strength of character. 9/11/15
Ilona von Dohn?nyi (1909-1988) was a journalist and historical novelist who also wrote biographies of composers Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, Gioacchino Rossini, and Robert and Clara Schumann. Her other books include From Death to Life and Message to Posterity from Ernst von Dohn?nyi.
James A. Grymes established the Ernst von Dohn?nyi Collection at Florida State University. The author of Ernst von Dohn?nyi: A Bio-Bibliography, his research has appeared in such journals as Music Library Association Notes and Studia MusicologlSç