Reviews

What people are saying about
Palaces of Memory...

"Diane Thome's memoir is a heartfelt traversal of her unique life journey. In our time of heightened reflection on what makes creative people “tick," Diane's insights from the vantage point of her own long-established career as an artist and educator make this important as well as moving reading. Yet, even if she were not someone of such notable achievements, including her significant body of musical works, the intimate poignancy and direct writing style of this self-portrait would deeply touch all who read it."

Richard Karpen is a prominent composer, researcher, and teacher in the field of digital arts. He is currently director of the School of Music, University of Washington.
“Palaces of Memory by Diane Thome is a new memoir from a remarkable composer that includes ruminations on her life, early musical studies, and, most strikingly, accounts of the chauvinistic and sometimes shockingly conservative musical culture that pervaded academia in the 1960s and 70s. What I find most compelling about this memoir are the straightforward accounts of Diane’s personal encounters with sexism and musical conservatism, in combination with the rich and diverse array of experiences and influences that inform her musical personality. She shows considerable wisdom and honesty in accounting for how her past enabled her present, highly distinctive compositional voice. I heartily recommend this memoir to all readers interested in contemporary music — especially in computer-synthesized music from one of the pioneers in the field — and for those interested in the very real gender struggles that women have had to face, and still must face, in academia and the world of art music.”
Ryan Hare is a highly-respected composer, bassoonist, and teacher. He is Coordinator of the Composition and Theory Area at Washington State University and Director of its annual Festival of Contemporary Art Music
“Diane Thome has written a compelling personal reflection, an odyssey of creative discovery and fulfillment. Her predilection for artistic, spiritual, and intellectual self-examination projects a ceaseless commitment to inner growth and awareness. Her love of art, music, poetry, and philosophy provide a rich framework through which she forges her own personal creativity.
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Thome’s excursion from acoustic to the brave and newer world of electronic and computer music has proven to be a fruitful journey, her compositions now commanding international recognition. Having heard such works as Unfold Entwine, Bright Air/Brilliant Fire, and The Palaces of Memory, I continue to admire how Diane Thome has found her own voice in which lyricism is always present, even in the most complex and intricate musical structures. Her story is thoroughly engrossing, a perceptive account of a dedicated, determined, and gifted creative artist.”


Robin McCabe is an internationally-acclaimed concert pianist and teacher, and she is the former director of the School of Music, University of Washington.
“This memoir is an inspiration for anyone who wishes to live a life that is profoundly creative and magical. Each of us has a unique life’s journey. Sometimes the challenges of the unknown feel overwhelming, the obstacles insurmountable. Diane Thome shows us they are not. As a woman in the world of contemporary music, she kept her eye on the goal, meeting what life presented with passion, strength, and grace. Ultimately, this is a love story, a story of her love for her muse and her love for life.
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Anna Rhodes is a renowned artist, educator, and psychotherapist. She was formerly on staff at the University of Washington School of Medicine, worked with Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and is currently in private practice. She is the creator of An Artists’ Retreat and teaches internationally.