Ideas and Styles in the Western Musical Tradition

by Douglass Seaton

In this concise, invitingly written introduction to music history, the author approaches the topic as a study of significant intellectual currents and developments in musical style, rather than as a compendium of names, dates, and compositions. The use of quotations from thinkers, artists, and musicians helps engage students in thinking critically and creatively about ideas and styles of music. "Ideas and Styles" also allows instructors the flexibility to make use of additional materials important to them. The new second edition is accompanied by a two-volume anthology of scores and recordings, as well as an online learning center with additional student resources.

Genres: Music, Textbooks

544 pages, Hardcover

First published January 28, 1991

Reviews

[Janaki]

I have to say, as this was my music history textbook, I have read every last page of this thing. Am I wiser and more knowledgable as a result? Only time will tell... although I do now know that Beethoven liked soup. Whether that was something my Professor said or this book said, I cannot recall. But Beethoven most certainly enjoyed soup.

[Brent Pinkall]

Seaton does a good job balancing scholarship and accessibility. This book is heavily researched and the scholarship comes through, yet it is written simply and clearly for the average reader. If you want a concise yet relatively comprehensive survey of the western musical tradition this book will provide you with one.

[Lisa]

Ideas and Styles in the Western Musical Tradition by Douglass Seaton (1991)

[John]

Not a fan. Appreciate the frequent quotation of primary source stuff, though.

[Javier Márquez]

It took me a while to finish this book... I kept putting it away.. but I always knew I needed to come back to it. And it was totally worth it! It offers a great overview of Wester art music.