(4) YA Classical Composers series. Clara Schumann, along with managing a tumultuous relationship with her father and tending to her erratic husband and their eight often-ill children, was able to maintain a career as a world-renowned concert pianist (and composer) for over six decades. The information in this thorough volume could be better organized, but it's engaging nonetheless. Archival artwork supports the text. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) YA Classical Composers series. These thorough, well-researched composers' biographies focus almost solely on their subjects' lives, with a few glimpses at historical context. Verdi incorporates brief summaries of his major operas, but neither book elucidates the composers' musical styles. Mendelssohn's story is meatier, as its subject attempts to reconcile gender roles with professional ambitions. A list of suggested recordings would have been a welcome addition. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Classical Composers titles: Giuseppe Verdi and Italian Opera and Gifted Sister.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl