A Guide to Orchestral Music: The Handbook for Non-Musicians

by Ethan Mordden

Relaxed and accessible in style, this authoritative guide is the first symphony handbook for non-musicians. The book begins with a general introduction to the symphony and short pieces on the orchestra and musical styles. Mordden goes on to describe, chronologically, over 700 pieces--from Vivaldi to twentieth-century composers. Further aids to the reader include two lists of repertory builders and a glossary of musical terms.
"Easy and pleasurable to read...a genuinely useful guide for the music lover who has not had a musical education but loves concert music."--John Barkham Reviews

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Classical Music, Reference

592 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So approachable! Exactly what I needed to listen with intention to appreciate. Just started working (listening to) the author’s suggested list of works and found the composer bio and symphony description very helpful.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have several guides to classical music in my library. Four general guides ones on concertos, chamber, choral and opera. But this is my favorite to browse through--as you could tell from the battered condition of the book, and all the underlined lines and dog-eared pages. It's organized primarily by composer, ordered by date of birth, from Antonio Vivaldi to Hans Werner Henze. I just find Mordden so readable and this book so user friendly and a great introduction to classical music.

[Craig Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for the beginner to classical music and also as a reference guide for lovers of classical music. Concise descriptions of the major pieces covering a multitude of composers. Enjoyable read.

[-Curious- · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating of 5 Stars is genuine, however - it's really only of use to me.
- have you read the book? Then give it your own rating
- if you haven't read it yet, then this is cheating - reading another's review beforehand will stain your thoughts...you can't unread something you've read - go read it and form your own thoughts.

Rant over

My review, using my proprietary 3-item system: I like it.

That's it, that's all...Move along...items hereafter are personal memory aids, that are subject to change. Often.

If this were a Kindle book, the memory stuff can, and is currently moving over to "notes" attached to the exact point/paragraph/sentence it's applicable to.

This is an actual hardcover book that I've owned for years. For me, it's not a book you read start to finish. It's a reference book that's referred to and an as-needed basis. I refer to it when I want biographic details on composers, etc. Using it that way, for as long as I've owned it, it can be truly considered read, re-read and re-read and re-read, etc.

It, along with another book of the same ilk remain on the top left corner of my desk. Both will likely always remain there.

This exact 'Review' is given on that other book.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Descriptions, for laity, of composers and major work. Good introduction and can, quickly, become dog-eared.