Explore the history of music from early songs to the era of Haydn.
This edition presents clear, accessible lectures that trace how musical forms grew, from the roots of Christian song to the development of the modern symphony and string quartet.
The book surveys key composers and their works, showing how they shaped styles and forms. It discusses Corelli’s early sonatas, Kuhnau’s Bible-inspired pieces, and the evolution of the piano‑forte sonata. It highlights J. S. Bach’s and Haydn’s contributions, and explains how Haydn helped make the sonata, symphony, and string quartet central to modern instrumental music. The narrative blends biographical detail with ideas about form, balance, and expression, offering a structured view of musical progress.
- Clear explanations of the main forms: sonata, symphony, and string quartet.
- Biographical sketches of major composers and how their lives influenced their music.
- Explanations of how these works laid the groundwork for Mozart and Beethoven.
Ideal for readers curious about how Western instrumental music evolved and for students seeking a solid, readable guide to the period’s key works and ideas.