Classical Music: The 50 Greatest Composers and Their 1000 Greatest Works - Hardcover

Goulding, Phil G.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0449903567 ISBN 13: 9780449903568

Publisher: Fawcett, 1992

Synopsis

MAKE A SOUND INVESTMENT IN CLASSICAL MUSIC
Who are the ten most important classical composers? Who in the world was Palestrina? Why did Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" cause a riot? Which five of each important composer's works should you buy? What is a concerto and how does it differ from a sonata?
Maybe you don't know the answers to these questions; author Phil Goulding certainly didn't. When Goulding first tried to learn about classical music, he found himself buried in an avalanche of technical terms and complicated jargon--so he decided to write the book he couldn't find.
The result is a complete classical music education in one volume. Comprehensive, discriminating, and delightfully irreverent, Classical Music provides such essential information as:
* Rankings of the top 50 composers (Bach is #1. Borodin is #50)
* A detailed and anecdotal look at each composer's life and work
* The five primary works of each composer and specific recommended CDs for each.
* Further great works of each composer--if you really like him
* Concise explanations of musical terminology, forms, and periods
* A guide to the parts and history of the symphony orchestra
"This book uses every conceivable gimmick to immerse readers in the richness of classical music: lists, rankings, sidebars devoted to lively anecdotes, and catchy leads."
--The Washington Post
"One terrific music appreciation book...The information is surprisingly detailed but concisely presented. Goulding's writing style is breezy yet mature....[He] has raised music appreciation from a racket to a service."
--The Arizona Daily Star
From the Trade Paperback edition.

About this title

Review:

This is a fun, approachable guide to classical music that uses a light touch, fun facts and humorous anecdotes to help the neophyte make sense of classical music and its origins.

From the Publisher:

Phil Goulding has written a completely accessible guide to classical music, and the best part is he has the audacity to "rate the composers." If you've ever wanted to know more about classical music, this probably the most approachable guide you could have.

-- Sue Miller, National Accounts Manager

About this edition

• Publisher: Fawcett
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0449903567
• ISBN 13: 9780449903568
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 635