Benjamin Verdery

This book honors the classical guitarist Benjamin Verdery, Professor at the Yale School of Music. It contains personal reflections from his friends and colleagues which illustrate several aspects of Professor Verdery: his influence on his peers, his students, and the classical guitar world; features of his musical career; and characteristics of his personality. In addition, there is an extensive essay by Professor Verdery himself in which he presents his thoughts and ideas on such musical endeavors as performing, composing, arranging, teaching, and recording. Rounding out the book are listings of his compositions, a discography, online video and audio files, recital programs, publications, and related websites.

Thomas Donahue is the author of several books on musicological subjects, including the modern classical organ, musical temperament, the stringing of harpsichords, and a style guide for writing about music. He has also edited books honoring Gerhard Brunzema, Anthony Newman, Peter Williams, and Christopher Hogwood.

Foreword by Leo Brouwer
Preface
About Benjamin Verdery
1. Sérgio AssadCharisma
2. Seymour BernsteinTribute
3. Jackson BraiderWhat One Cradle-Mate Has to Say About Another
4. William CoulterPerformer, Teacher, Colleague, Friend
5. James D'AddarioAnd the Lyric is . . .
6. Janet D'AddarioOn a Scale of 1 to 5
7. Don DawsonA Guitar for Keith Richards
8. Bryce DessnerA Source of Energy
9. Thomas DonahueConfluence with Ben
10. Eliot FiskA Tribute to Ben
11. Frederic HandEnergy, Love, and Wackiness
12. Hannah LashFor Ben
13. Garrett LeeBen's Luthier
14. David LeisnerSmart, Heart, and Art
15. Ingram MarshallUp Close and Personal
16. Martha MastersThe World of Ben Verdery
17. Anthony NewmanBen and Tony
18. John OlsonBen on Maui
19. Ian O'SullivanKumu Verdery
20. Paco PeñaA Message to Ben
21. David RussellUnique Magnetism
22. Richard SavinoElectric Ben
23. John SchaeferThe Mayor of Guitartown
24. Andy SummersIncarnation
25. Thomas SydorickThe Touch of Talent
26. Scott TennantBanter with Benjamin
27. John VeesWizardry
28. Andrew YorkBen and Blues and Cervantes
Afterword by Benjamin Verdery
Appendices
A. Compositions
B. Discography
C. Online Video and Audio Files
D. Programs
E. Publications
F. Websites
Index
About the Contributors