Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music

by Darren Henley

An essential short history of classical music, and a standalone accompaniment to the Handy Guides series

Trace the history of classical music from its birth through the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods and right up to the present day. Packed full of essential information, this pocket-sized handbook explores the lives and works of the key composers from around the world.

Classic FM’s Handy Guides are a fun and informative set of introductions to standout subjects within classical music, each of which can be read and digested in one a perfect collectible series for all those new to the world of classical music, as well as aficionados with busy schedules.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2015

About the author

Darren Henley OBE is chief executive of Arts Council England. His two independent government reviews into music and cultural education resulted in England's first National Plan for Music Education, new networks of Music Education Hubs, Cultural Education Partnerships and Heritage Schools, the Museums and Schools programme, the BFI Film Academy and the National Youth Dance Company. Before joining the Arts Council, he led Classic FM for fifteen years. He holds degrees in politics from the University of Hull, in management from the University of South Wales and in history of art from the University of Buckingham. A recipient of the British Academy President's Medal for his contributions to music education, music research and the arts, his books include The Virtuous Circle: Why Creativity and Cultural Education Count and The Arts Dividend: Why Investment in Culture Pays.

Reviews

[Benedict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want a similarly-handy guide to just 21st century classical music. Recommendations welcome