Double Life

Like all classical composers, the young Rozsa faced the problem of how to make a living writing serious music. At the suggestion of famed French composer Arthur Honegger, he turned to film music, and thus began a ``double life.'' Well-known for his movie scores, including Spellbound , The Lost Weekend , The Thief of Baghdad and Ben-Hur , Rozsa has also written numerous classical works that have been performed by major orchestras the world over. In this serviceable, straightforward autobiography he chronicles his rise to success, from his childhood in a small Hungarian town to the film studios of Hollywood. He tells an uncomplicated tale of a life of accomplishment, filled with reminiscences of his friendships with the rich and famous. Now in his 80s, Rozsa looks back with justifiable satisfaction on a career in which he has composed in two styles without compromising either. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Oct.)