Paul Grabbe (1902–1999)

A grand little reference work. Pocket-sized but dense, this book tackles one hundred well-known symphonic works, ranging from those with clear stories like 'Carnival of the Animals', to more typical classical pieces. These kind of works just don't exist anymore! Articulately written, exploring both the context and meaning of the work, but without being either academic or needlessly commercial. Just someone with a genuine interest in classical greats writing simple listening guides for the regular viewer. Those were the days.… (altro)

QUITE the unique perspective of Russian life during the last years of Tsar Nicholas and the revolution. The authors father, Count Alexander Grabbe lived it first hand, part of a circle of associates of the tsar. Paul lived through those tumultuous years as a young boy, and dealt with the arduous journey of escape and emigration.
I love history, Russian in particular. EMIGRE' was such a different look at such an important time and its aftermath and impact on this family, that i immedately bought another of this authors books! Well worth every minute spent reading.… (altro)

The author, Paul Grabbe, is the son of General Count Alexander Grabbe. A commander of the military force, General Grabbe was a member of the elite unit that guarded the Tsar and his family.

An amateur, but talented photographer, Commander Grabbe, was successful in photographing the royal family throughout their holidays and in their everyday life before the Russian revolution.

The accompanying text with the photos is well written and provides and excellent backdrop to the unraveling of a wealthy, elite family originally naive to the fact that their fairy tale life was ending.

Particularly interesting is the way in which the photos show the carefree idyllic days of children at play. There are images of Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia, china like dolls, similarly attired in white linen dress wearing wide brimmed hats and smiling at the camera.

There are many images of a smiling, handsome, young Tsarevich Alexis wearing a sailor uniform on the deck of his family yacht, left leg slightly turn inward from pain of his bleeding disorder.

Robust and handsome Nicholas II smiles with a loving countenance at his beautiful family, greets his staff, travels to WWI battlefields and then, suddenly becomes sullen and serious in expression as the gathering storm of change approaches.

Shy, Alexandra cautiously hovers over her son and daughters. A smile eludes her face and the photos indicate a serious nature.

Highly recommended to anyone to loves history and is interested in the Romanov family.… (altro)