The Complete Book of Classical Music - Softcover

Ewen, David

3.67

6 ratings by Goodreads

9780709038658: The Complete Book of Classical Music

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0709038658 ISBN 13: 9780709038658

Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd, 1989

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

This invaluable musical compendium contains biographies of over 100 composers, including many before the age of J.S. Bach, and an analysis of over a thousand of their compositions in all branches of music. To provide historical perspective, the composers are in chronological order, beginning with Guillaume de Machaut and ending with Richard Strauss. A critical evaluation and biography of each composer is followed by a list of his major works, presented in order of composition, with programme and analytical notes allowing the reader to trace the growth and evolution of each composer from apprenticeship to full maturity. Notes on early and lesser-known works are also included. Unusual and interesting features are the discussion of less familiar composers and the inclusion of detailed ballet and opera plots. "The Complete Book of Classical Music" is one of the most comprehensive single-volume reference works ever published and is now available in paperback for the first time.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Product Description:

Offering a guide to classical music, this book ranges from the 14th to the 20th century. Each entry gives a biography and critical evaluation, with an analysis of the composer's major works in order of composition. Detailed information about early apprentice works of each composer is also included. With a discussion of lesser-known, but historically important composers, and detailed plots of operas and ballets, as well as special emphasis on works available on recordings, this guide includes information on 118 composers and over 1000 of their compositions.

About the Author:

David Ewen, whom Time magazine once described as 'music's interpreter to the American people', was among the most widely read writers on music in the world. He wrote about fifty books on every facet of music, serious and popular. Among Mr Ewen's works are: The World of Great Composers, The World of 20th Century Music, The Home Book of Musical Knowledge and Panorama of American Popular Music. His biographies includes those of Schubert, Johann Strauss, Haydn, Toscanini, and George Gershwin.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.