Although many books have been written about Charlie Chaplin, most are the products of research gathered from second-hand sources and various archives. Eric James had the privilege of knowing and working with Chaplin as his Music Associate for more than twenty years, during which time he collaborated in the development of compositions and subsequent orchestral arrangements
Although many books have been written about Charlie Chaplin, most are the products of research gathered from second-hand sources and various archives. Eric James had the privilege of knowing and working with Chaplin as his Music Associate for more than twenty years, during which time he collaborated in the development of compositions and subsequent orchestral arrangements that became celebrated film scores. In Making Music with Charlie Chaplin, James details his relationship with Chaplin, from their auspicious first meeting, to his frequent visits to Switzerland when he lived with Chaplin and his family. The book chronicles James' decades-long collaboration and provides new insight into his protean musical genius. Alight with levity and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, James allows us to glimpse the artist behind the legend, a Chaplin too rarely seen.
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Most people won't know the name Eric James. For 20 years he served as the self-titled "musical associate" to Charlie Chaplin. The first half of this slight biography is given over to James's early career as a musician while the latter half focuses on his work with Chaplin. This autobiography succeeds best as an insider's glimpse into Chaplin's working methods. Chaplin, who could not read or write music, relied on James and other musicians over the years to turn his scraps of melodies and suggest
Most people won't know the name Eric James. For 20 years he served as the self-titled "musical associate" to Charlie Chaplin. The first half of this slight biography is given over to James's early career as a musician while the latter half focuses on his work with Chaplin. This autobiography succeeds best as an insider's glimpse into Chaplin's working methods. Chaplin, who could not read or write music, relied on James and other musicians over the years to turn his scraps of melodies and suggestions for orchestrations into a proper film score. James's relationship with Chaplin took place years after his self-imposed exile from the U.S., so those looking for juicy gossip from the shootings of later films need to look elsewhere. But for Chaplin fans who want to get a glimpse into this seldom-discussed aspect of Chaplin's career will find plenty to enjoy.
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