The Wonder of Sound

This is the English translation of the German best-selling Klangwunder: wie die Kraft der Musik mich geheilt hat. Albrecht Mayer has been principal oboist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra since 2002 and enjoys a prolific solo career, and is believed by many to be the greatest oboist in the world. In his autobiography (co-authored with Heidi Friedrich) Albrecht Mayer describes his journey from an insecure child to the pinnacle of the music world. His life gains a new direction when his authoritarian father gives him an oboe at the age of ten with the edict that he learn to play it. He gives a very personal account of the obstacles he faced and the people who helped him along the way, and of performing with the most famous musicians in the world's greatest concert halls. But despite all his success, he has never forgotten the stigma of stuttering and the happiness of having found his true place in the world despite his impairment. This is the deeply moving autobiography of a man who has experienced the healing power of music and today embodies it with great charisma. It is a testament to the healing power of music and the endurance of the human spirit. Written in an eminently readable style this is an honest book about 'an ordinary human being' who has reached the pinnacle of musical success but is very grounded in reality and who cherishes his family above all else.