Classical Music Without Fear: A Guide For General Audiences

In this entertaining and engaging book, Marianne Williams Tobias demystifies the potentially intimidating world of classical music for a general readership. Classical Music Without Fear aims at the intelligent reader by demonstrating the universality and relevancy of classical music to today’s listeners. 

This easy-access book contains lively historical commentary, intelligent explanations of musical style and form, helpful tips on attending concerts, a quick guide to reading music and musical scores, and a glossary of terms. Also included is a reference section that summarizes standard concert works and suggests choices for starting your own classical CD collection. Lavishly illustrated with full-color reproductions of period artwork and numerous other portraits, musical scores, and illustrations, Classical Music Without Fear brings the heritage of classical music to life.

Marianne Williams Tobias is a graduate of Harvard University, Longy School of Music and the University of Minnesota, where she earned a double D.M.A. in piano performance and historical musicology. A seasoned pianist, public radio commentator, lecturer, and writer, Tobias is known for her crisp, engaging style and lively narration. She lives in Indianapolis.