Instrumental : [a memoir of madness, medication and music

James Rhodes' passion for music has been his absolute lifeline. It has been the thread that has held him together through a life that has encompassed abuse, breakdown and addiction. Listening to Rachmaninov on a loop as a traumatised teenager or discovering an Adagio by Bach while in a psychiatric ward - such exquisite miracles of musical genius have helped him survive his demons, and, along with a chance encounter with a stranger, inspired him to become the renowned concert pianist he is today. This is a memoir like no other: unapologetically candid, boldly outspoken and surprisingly funny - James' prose is shot through with an unexpectedly mordant wit, even at the darkest of moments. An impassioned tribute to the therapeutic powers of music, Instrumental also weaves in fascinating facts about how classical music actually works and about the extraordinary lives of some of the great composers. It explains why and how music has the potential to transform all of our lives. James Rhodes has had an astonishing life. Told through a searingly honest narrative, he recalls the physical and sexual abuse he suffered as a child, his ensuing struggle with drugs and alcohol, and the nervous breakdown that led him to being sectioned. But there is a bright, broad beam of light piercing through the darkness, and it is James' passion for classical music - a passion that enabled him to get through his tumultuous upbringing, to resign from his mind-numbing job, and to become a renowned concert pianist. It is an extraordinary achievement that, after years of self-harming, suicide attempts and lots of therapy, James has got to where he is now thanks to sheer determination, countless hours of piano practice and a chance encounter with a stranger: fragile, scarred, but performing sold-out concerts around the world and establishing himself as a presenter and commentator. A passionate tribute to the therapeutic powers of music, this book also weaves in fascinating facts about how classical music works and the lives of some of the great composers. The result is a stunning, raw and inspirational memoir that will provoke, enlighten and inspire James Rhodes' Passion For Music Has Been His Absolute Lifeline. It Has Been The Thread That Has Held Him Together Through A Life That Has Encompassed Pain, Conflict And Turmoil. Listening To Rachmaninov On A Loop As A Traumatised Teenager Or Discovering An Adagio By Bach While In A Hospital Ward – Such Exquisite Miracles Of Musical Genius Have Helped Him Survive His Demons, And, Along With A Chance Encounter With A Stranger, Inspired Him To Become The Renowned Concert Pianist He Is Today. This Is A Memoir Like No Other: Unapologetically Candid, Boldly Outspoken And Surprisingly Funny - James' Prose Is Shot Through With An Unexpectedly Mordant Wit, Even At The Darkest Of Moments. An Impassioned Tribute To The Therapeutic Powers Of Music, Instrumental Also Weaves In Fascinating Facts About How Classical Music Actually Works And About The Extraordinary Lives Of Some Of The Great Composers. It Explains Why And How Music Has The Potential To Transform All Of Our Lives.