The History of Classical Music

by Stuart A. Kallen

Over the centuries, classical Western music has remained a vital force in society. "History of Classical Music" travels through time to investigate this musical genre throughout the ages from the mediaeval period through the Renaissance, Baroque, classical, romantic, and modern eras.

Genres: Music

112 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 2002

About the author

Kallen has written more than 350 nonfiction books for children and young adults. His books have covered a wide arc of human history, culture, and science. Kallen is also an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist in San Diego, California

Reviews

[Destiny Varnado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much I love how artisic this book is and how so many black people helped make jazz music what we know and love to this very day.

[Stephen · Rating 1 out of 5]

All right, fine. I was looking for a history of classical music and this certainly fit my first criteria: short. Unfortunately it reads more as a high school project (extensive quotes from websites dedicated to various composers do nothing to change this impression) than a full fledged professional overview. Still, the patient reader will be rewarded with a few interesting nuggets about the composers featured.

[Graham F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I do think, however, that the author could have done a better job of documenting more of the composers' lives into the book: Brahms, Chopin, and Mendelssohn were only ever mentioned, and Prokofiev, Bartok, Grieg, and Ravel were never mentioned once. It did give me a greater knowledge of the history of music, though. Very good book.

[Rakisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to non-fiction books, you can't go wrong with recommending a Lucent Book to a middle school or high school student. It is also pretty good for someone who wants a quick introduction.