The Memory of Music

Composer and broadcaster Andrew Ford considers the nature and purpose of music in the context of his own life – what it is, why it means so much to us and how it works in our lives. From his early childhood in the Beatles-crazy Liverpool of the 1960's to his evolving work as a composer, choral conductor, concert promoter, critic, university teacher and radio presenter, he shares the vivid musical experiences that have shaped his life.

The Memory of Music is a moving and evocative memoir that will appeal to music lovers everywhere. Ford excels at capturing the way different kinds of music affect us – how a piece of religious music can transport us regardless of our beliefs, or how a pop song can call up an instant recollection from the past (a family holiday, a girlfriend).

About the Author

Andrew Ford is the author of, among others, Illegal Harmonies, Earth Dances, Try Whistling This and The Sound of Pictures. He is a composer, writer and broadcaster and presents The Music Show on ABC Radio National. His awards include the Paul Lowin Prize for his song cycle Learning to Howl, a Green Room Award for his opera Rembrandt’s Wife, and the Geraldine Pascall Prize for critical writing. His music has been played in many parts of the world, and championed by groups such as the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Brodsky Quartet and the New Juilliard Ensemble.