In Defence of Classical Music

by Andrew Ford

In his new book, In Defence of Classical Music, Andrew Ford asks how the symphonies of Beethoven and string quartets of Brahms can possibly be relevant post 9/11. He argues that it is precisely because we live in discordant times that classical music is more valuable than ever.

'Classical music is not escapism,' Ford maintains, 'it is a form of consolation. A retreat, certainly, but a retreat into reality rather than away from it.'

Following the essay which gives the book its title, there are ten shorter essays on individual composers: Dowland, Haydn, Beethoven, Berlioz, Brahms, Sibelius, Ravel, John Adams, Kaija Saariaho and Ross Bolleter. Finally, in an attempt to take the reader into the mind of a composer, Ford turns to his own music, with discussions of The Waltz Book, Learning to Howl, and Manhattan Epiphanies.

190 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Andrew Ford is a composer, writer and broadcaster. For twelve years he was in the Faculty of Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong. He has written nine books and, since 1995, has presented The Music Show each weekend on Radio National.

Reviews

[David Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very uneven and I am not sure the author achieved his objective of improving my appreciation of classical music. However the essays on Sibelius and Ravel are particularly good, and he has pointed me in the direction of some unfamiliar works.