The Lives of the Great Composers

Schonberg's selection shapes the narrative—was there a specific reason some composers were included while others were left out? I'm curious about the criteria behind the list.

The stories felt very vivid and personal, almost like getting to know the composers beyond their music. How did the author balance facts with storytelling to achieve this?

Understanding the research process behind these lives makes me appreciate the depth even more. Did Schonberg rely heavily on personal letters or interviews?