Conlon Nancarrow (1912–1997) was an American-Mexican composer whose works for the player piano exhibit a level of innovation and complexity which remains unmatched even today—his catalogue of works is often considered the Well-Tempered Clavier of the twentieth century. Encounters with Conlon Nancarrow, by Jürgen Hocker, is the first extensive biography of Nancarrow. Hocker gives insight to the life and personality of the often reclusive Nancarrow, making use of many as-yet-unpublished sources and interviews as well as a timeline and a comprehensive catalogue of Nancarrow's works. Encounters with Conlon Nancarrow is an indispensable reference book for musicians, musicologists, and player piano collectors, but it is also sure to appeal to anyone with a particular interest in American contemporary music.
