Big Bangs

by Howard Goodall

Book by Howard Goodall

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of enthusiasms. It is beautifully written, with the prose dripping with energy and commitment. It maintains a fascinating premise: Goodall probes the five discoveries that changed music. A fascinating project. So - finally - we have a chapter on Equal Temperament, probably the characteristic of 'Western' music. Indeed, it pushed - or tuned - 'the west' into music.

While we may disagree with the selection of the five innovations, and there is a passion for classical music that is based on assumptions of cultural value, this book is a joy to read. Knowledge plus enthusiasm has created a joyous reading experience.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Having studied classical music in my youth and still maintaining a passion for it, this was a really illuminating book. I learnt so much and it was a delight to see the evolution of music over time and how every discovery and innovation has influenced the complexity of all different forms of music in existence today.

I did own this book and made the mistake of lending it out and of course, it has never been returned. Will purchase another to put back into my collection and so I can read it again.

[Alistair · Rating 4 out of 5]

CONTENTS

Preface
Overture -1
1) THE THIN RED LINE - 8
Guido of Arezzo and the Invention of Notation

2) VATICAN SECRETS - 44

3) THE INVENTING OF OPERA - 54

4) 'JE SUIS COMPOSITEUR' - 88

5) ACCIDENTALS WILL HAPPEN - 101
The invention of Equal Temperament

6) BARTOLOMEO CRISTOFORI - 135
and his Amazing Loud and Soft Machine

7) CHOSEN PEOPLE - 168

8) MARY AND HER LITTLE LAMB - 178
The Invention of Recorded sound

AN EPILOGUE - 212

Acknowledgements and further reading - 227

Index 232

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Better than the tele series.

[Yrinsyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I loved it. Although he admits he is not great at writing and needed a lot of help with editing etc., it doesn't jar at all in the reading and it is very consistent. The musical inventions are described in such a wonderful way and with such congenial erudition that it sucks you in and you immediately understand the scope of the bang. I want to watch the television series now!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read about the five main inventions in music history which launched massive developments and creativity - notation; equal temperament; opera; pianoforte and recording of music. Easy to read style and interesting angle covering all music history.

[Patrick Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. But then I am sucker for the "classical music for dummies" genre. He provides some fascinating insights and observations. If I had to be critical, I would say that some parts were a little repetitive, ie we are told the same thing several times over, but maybe I felt that because I am not actually a classical music dummy! And I would have to disagree when he says "Klezmer music, the street sound from Jewish bands... does not bleed into the late romantic symphonic style... of the Jewish Viennese composers. The folk style suggested in Mahler is more refined and Austrian". Has Mr Goodall not listened to the third movement of Mahler's first symphony, specifically the second subject?

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a serious book does take longer than a leisure one indeed. I can’t imagine I used a half year to finish this book😂 This book has so many interesting stories and full of information. I don’t think I understand or am able to remember all of them. I will definitely read again after I watch tv series and learn more music knowledge.

[Kevin Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodall does a great job of presenting some big ideas from musical history in an accessible way. In particular it had never occurred to me that the invention of musical notation had such ramifications, it's one of those things one tends to use without thinking about where it came from.

[Amberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very interesting look at music and how music change through the years. The writing and editing need to be work on and the book was bit too long also the cover of book was simple but stunning.

[Sergej van Middendorp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written guide to key breakthroughs in music history, very helpful and entertaining in understanding more about music.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightening history of Western music. I learned so much!

[Greg Williamson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few interesting insights but on the whole rather pedestrian and terribly Eurocentric. The Australian lost me when he described the oud as a type of mothers.

[Signe Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, may be boring to some but it was interesting

[plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have no background knowledge regarding music but the points here are very reflective. its a good casual read.

[Andy Holyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of factual errors I spotted:
Gilbert & Sullivan's "Princess Ida" was not a parody on Girton College, but on my own Alma Mata, Westfield College London. But that is probably a bit obscure nowadays.

He mentions the transformation of the Lute into the Electric guitar, and Mentions Jimi Hendrix... and James Brown. James Brown didn't play guitar. However since this book is 1999, and Jame sBrown didn't die until 2006, I suppose he could have learned, had he known about this.

And one other - which I forget - It was also related to popular music.

The error make me a little cautious - what else has he got wrong which I didn't know about? But generally a good stomping read, and coreect on the basic theses - the big transformations which changed music over the last 1,000 years.

[Angela Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love music though understood little about it until reading this very eloquently written celebration of the 'discoveries' that most influenced it's development. I'd say they are inventions rather than findings but then what do I know. The fact is I know more now and want to know more again. Next time I read this I will listen to much of the noted pieces of recorded sounds as I go along, can hardly wait.

[Judson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply fantastic in every way. Anybody who loves music would enjoy this. I actually didn't read the text, but rather viewed Goodall's UK television series, at about five hours. The visual illustrations, locations, and cultural tie-ins are superb. Man's intellect, industry, and curiosity is amazing, and music is a showcase for all of it.

[UWCSEA Libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book outlines the importance of five innovations in musical history: notation, equal temperament, opera, the piano, and recorded sound. You will appreciate music so much more after reading this book.

[Milos Bozovic · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tale of the history of inventions in music, told by a professional composer. This could have been a great book if it didn't fail to communicate with the reader. Too little verve for my taste.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

some Fascinating trivia , easy read, enjoyed it. wouldn't pay full price though.

[Graham Okely · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Quite full of information. I am still yet to read a clear and concise definition of equal temperament.

[Stephen Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the music books I've read. It is a must for anyone who loves music.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything you ever wanted to know about even temperament but were afraid to ask.