Beethoven or Bust: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Listening to Great Music

Offers an accessible introduction to classical music for those with little or no musical training and suggests "listening groups" of compositions to build musical comprehension

Meant as an alternative to conventional "music appreciation" texts, this book might have been subtitled "A Lifetime Listening Plan," because that's about how long it would take to do justice to its ambitious program. The heart of the book consists of 88 "listening groups," each comprised of four major classical works linked by a short essay. The piquant juxtapositions suggested in many of these groups can certainly enhance a listener's understanding and enjoyment. What may daunt all but the most dedicated, however, is the fact that many of these groups contain well over four hours of music, which must be heard a number of times to be digested. Two more caveats: the conversational writing style is at times self-indulgent, even annoying, and some quirky opinions are presented as facts. Recommended for larger collections as a supplement, not a substitute, for standard texts.
- E. Gaub, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo, N.Y.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.