This isn't a novel with a plot, but a collection of personal essays and sketches. Think of it as a series of vivid snapshots. Saint-Saëns pulls back the curtain on the glittering world of European music and art from the 1850s onward. He writes about helping a young, unknown Gabriel Fauré, shares hilarious and touching stories about his mentor Liszt, and gives his very frank take on the music of Richard Wagner. He doesn't just list facts; he paints full portraits with anecdotes, conversations, and his own clear-eyed observations.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is the voice. Saint-Saëns writes with the charm and confidence of someone who was there. You feel his deep admiration for Berlioz's genius and his personal fondness for Liszt's kindness. But he's also not afraid to be critical or funny. Reading this, you realize these "great masters" were real people—they had bad days, inside jokes, and strong opinions about each other's work. It completely demystifies a period of history that can seem very distant and formal.

Final Verdict

Perfect for classical music lovers who want to go beyond the notes, or anyone who enjoys firsthand accounts of history. If you like peeking into the personal lives of artists and getting the story straight from the source, you'll love this. It's a warm, witty, and incredibly human look at a legendary cultural era.