Following are some comments written for Cathy Berberian an Music's Muses

History is not a compendium of unbiased data: rather an hypothesis of accounts and writings. Predominantly recorded by men, to date it has not exactly been sympathetically disposed towards women, the vast majority of whom tends to be forgotten. In fact, this is so much the norm that one could be forgiven for wondering if women ever succeeded in any monetary, political or cultural rôle. What about women artists? In her new book, Jennifer Paull, writing with sensitivity as a close friend, takes pains to sketch the figure of Cathy Berberian (1925-1983), composer, singer and mastermind of many broad-based creative works combining dance, the voice and theatre. Hitherto somewhat overshadowed by Luciano Berio, Berberian comes into view not simply as 'the wife of', but as an original creative artist in her own right.
Noémie Etienne
'Agefi Evasion' magazine, March 2008
Geneva
Switzerland

This book was like a gourmand's feast for the musician.
I savoured each tasty morsel with delight.
Rui dos Reis
Greenwich
Connecticut

Jennifer Paull's quintessentially 'different' heroine and her seething-yeast of a legacy remain unknown landscapes down here, to date, however unfairly. To me, a music lover in China, this book is not only a revelation, it is also a rare pleasure to read. Here is a discourse richly enlivened by its witty diction and imaginative and imagination-provoking metaphors, all of which readily abound.
Henry Luo
Shanghai
China

If you are a reader who is in the mood to be entertained and delighted while taken on a journey through selected anecdotes of a great performer's life -- Cathy Berberian and Music's Muses by Jennifer Paull is the book for you! As a professional musician with a Masters in music performance, I had only seen Cathy Berberian's name in passing and always linked to Berio. I had assumed that she had specialized in his music only, and that she had been 'carried' on the wave of his compositional genius. The author, Jennifer Paull, knew Cathy Berberian personally, and new light has been shed on earlier assumptions. CATHY was the genius who inspired Berio's music so that he could showcase her amazing vocal instrument unmatched in its range, control and dexterity! Her repertoire consisted of not only Berio, but everything from Monteverdi to parodies of the Beatles, and her primary goal was to entertain her audiences by her on-stage performance, fabulous costumes (many of which she designed herself), and her always-incredible singing. This book contains short essays on other musical topics as seen through Berberian's philosophy. There are also vignettes featuring the author, who sounds as if she deserves a book of her own life story!
Victoria Racz
Vancouver
Washington

Jennifer Paull's new book, Cathy Berberian and Music's Muses (Amoris Imprint, 2007), is a rare treat. The author, herself a gifted musician, has given us a smart, vibrant portrait of her close friend who died a quarter of a century ago at the age of 57. This cornucopia of personal anecdotes and loving reminiscences is an empathetic homage to the spectacular Berberian, described by Paull as "celebrated mezzo-soprano, composer, polyhistor and artistic non-conformist". The book's photos, many from the author's own collection, are priceless. A passionate, colorfully-written biography of a great artist and human being. Warmly recommended.
Karen Kushner
Kansas City
Missouri

The author gives us a personal take on her friend and mentor that is entertaining and witty, leaving the reader longing for an accompanying soundtrack!
Rachel Mills
Cedar Rapids
Iowa