Colgrass-Adventures of an American Composer (Autobiography)

Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Colgrass was more than a brilliant orchestral composer and percussionist. He was also a maverick who romanced a Cold War spy in Bucharest, chased down a New York City bank robber and saved Leonard Bernstein from being assaulted. Now he has chronicled his exploits in a lively autobiography of anecdotes. In 89 engaging stories, Colgrass recalls working with such luminaries as Aaron Copland, John Cage and Dizzy Gillespie. He describes recording the Rite of Spring with a tipsy Igor Stravinsky on the podium; writing an entire score for the Joffrey Ballet in one frenzied night; and playing for a stripper near Tanglewood, a gig that later landed him work with the West Side Story orchestra. In more reflective moments, Colgrass reveals the unique creative process that has inspired his works for the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony and numerous other world-class ensembles. He includes fascinating chapters about his forays into dance, self-hypnosis and experimental theater. He also recalls writing music for grade-school children and giving legendary performance workshops for more than 40,000 people around the world. Colgrass approaches life with a thoughtful good humor throughout.