The Npr Classical Music Companion: An Essential Guide for Enlightened Listening – Understanding Musical Terms and Concepts from Novice to Scholar

by Miles Hoffman

"Whether you know a lot about music or nothing at all, Miles Hoffman will help you think about what you listen to and how you listen. This book is a great achievement. There's nothing else out there like it." -- Wynton Marsalis, composer, trumpeter, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in music

An irresistible tour through the lexicon of classical music, The NPR Classical Music Companionoffers an essential education certain to increase any listener's understanding and appreciation of this potentially daunting musical genre. Miles Hoffman sheds light on more than 130 words and concepts that listeners may encounter in CD booklets, on the radio, in classical concert programs, or in newspaper reviews. These wholly delightful, accessible entries touch on fascinating topics, including what makes a good or a bad conductor, what musical term is most often misused, and why opera was invented. Whether you are an experienced concertgoer or have only recently been introduced to the music of Mozart and Beethoven, Hoffman's clear explanations will both enlighten and entertain.

"A musical guide filled with wit and unique charm. There are delicious musical morsels to delight everyone, from the novice to the scholar." -- Eugenia Zukerman, author, flutist, and arts correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning

"[Hoffman] takes the myth and starch out of classical music." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Carefully researched . . . informal and informative. . . a reader-friendly book." -- Washington Post

Miles Hoffman is music commentator for National Public Radio(R) 's Morning Edition(R). A graduate of Yale University and the Juilliard School, he is the violist and artistic director of the American Chamber Players.

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2005

Reviews

[Marie Fouhey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide lists a wide variety of musical terms and the author explains them in a very entertaining, informative and amusing way. In a relatively short book he manages to include discussions on the evolution of instruments, musical forms, the history of opera, violin bowing technicques and a myriad of other subjects. His explanations are clear but there is so much contained in this one little book that it could be re-read or referred to again and again.

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A keeper for me, and great for understanding the terms used in classical music.

For the complete review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_17826...

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to think it was impossible to know everything about classical music. But then I read this book, so now I know everything about classical music! Thanks Miles Hoffman!