From her modest home surrounded by great old trees in the small river town of Ophelia, Indiana, Birdie hears the language of the birds and believes they are talking to her. Whatever they are trying to communicate increases in intensity over her life. Born in 1900, for many years she works in the local telephone exchange and so is privy to conversations—and secrets—in Ophelia. But when she says the birds have told her something, the townspeople do not believe her; they just assume she mishe...

Examining breath in its role as the "delivery system" for ideas in musical performance, this provocative book makes a compelling case for the power of submitting oneself to its miracles. The study is divided into two sections—the first discussing the "why" of breathing and the second providing the "how" with practical applications for singers, instrumentalists, and conductors. Unique perspectives on the practice of yoga and other paradigms help to reveal the breath's potential, ensuring th...

Joey was one of the most accomplished pianists in the world during classical music’s last grand heyday at the end of the 20th century. He lived a luxurious life, and his performances in the great concert halls were globally televised. He was known even to people who do not follow music. But at the height of his career, before age 50, he suddenly and without explanation retired from playing. This set off a chain of press speculation as to why this consummate artist fell silent.Joey’...