reviews of paul-andré bempéchat`s jean cras, polymath of music and

 REVIEWS OF PAUL-ANDRÉ BEMPÉCHAT’S JEAN CRAS, POLYMATH OF MUSIC AND
LETTERS (ASHGATE, 2009)
There is no doubt that, in subsequent studies of Jean Cras's life and works, this book l be the first source to which the researcher turns. Bempéchat's deft and skilful blending of a beautifully written and engaging biography with lucid and erudite musical analysis, interspersed with tales of military history and scientific discovery, has resulted in a book that is absolutely engaging on its own, as it tells the life story of a most extraordinary man.' —
Nineteenth-­‐Century Music Review '... his absorption of nonmusical matters allows him to present an enormous amount of unexpected information without losing the reader’s interest, and when he does get to the music, he examines it so attentively that this introductory book on Cras is likely to be the last word on him for a decade or two. Every composer should have a Paul-­‐André Bempéchat!' —Fanfare Magazine '... a fluid accessible narrative for both historians and musicologists... This is the first major study of Cras and will stand as a good reference to all who are interested in approaching him, Bretagne composers, regionalism and nationalism, the legacy of Franck and Duparc, polymaths, and those interested in cultural activities in France.' —Notes 'Le Canadien Paul-­‐André Bempéchat, est parfaitement francophone mais c'est en anglais qu'il rédige cette somme dédiée à Jean Cras … Tout y est, …sa carrière marine, … l'inventeur brilliant, l'esthète pétri d'humanisme, le musician dans son œuvre. … Le portrait est vivant, Jean Cras se tient devant vous et tous les secrets de son art subtil sont démontrés.' —Diapason 'With a chronological list of compositions, reviews, and encyclopedia entries on Cras, as well as bibliographies on Brittany, French military history, and musicology, this excellent study should serve as the catalyst for some exciting new research into French musico-­‐poetics of the early twentieth century.' —French Studies ‘… an impressive undertaking… I consider that this book, more than simply a biography of a single composer and a military man, will shine even brighter once we have readjusted his position in the larger history of modern French music.’ —International Journal of Tourism Science ‘Bempéchat weaves lively excerpts from the composer’s journals and correspondence into a descriptive narrative that ranges from heady to introspective, allowing glimpses of Cras’s familial devotion, aesthetic musings, wry humor, and faith derived from philosophy and experience rather than blind piety. … a welcome examination of a gifted but obscure composer that will prove useful for military historians and musicologists alike.’ —Journal of Military History La remarquable analyse de Bempéchat nous dévoile une oeuvre qui jongle avec les exotismes glanés par le compositeur lors de ses expéditions, le bretonisme qui lui était inné, et l'exégèse de son catholicisme fervent.’ —France Catholique 'Bempéchat ... paints a compelling portrait of a Renaissance man who was successful in three distinct arenas…This volume will undoubtedly pique interest in this multifaceted person. Jean Cras, Polymath of Music and Letters is highly recommended.' —Journal of Singing 'With this book, Mr. Bempéchat confirms his reputation as the reigning expert on the composer. He makes clear on every page his thorough knowledge of and reverence for Cras and his music.' —Humanities Network–France