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Playlist: Rebeldes y revolucionarios de la música
BACH. MOZART. BEETHOVEN. En esta introducción a la música clásica, descubrirás a los rebeldes y revolucionarios que hay detrás de las obras maestras de la música y sabrás por qué ellos son los verdaderos responsables de todas las canciones que guardas en tu móvil.
Déjate llevar por esta lista de reproducción mientras lees... porque la música puede cambiarlo todo, desde tu estado de ánimo hasta tu mente.
Déjate llevar por esta lista de reproducción mientras lees... porque la música puede cambiarlo todo, desde tu estado de ánimo hasta tu mente.
73 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2019
3 people are currently reading
1519 people want to read
About the author
James Rhodes
5 books342 followersJames Rhodes is a British classical pianist.
Born into a middle-class Jewish family in St John's Wood, North London, he was educated at Arnold House School, a local all-boys independent preparatory school, where he was sexually abused by a teacher.
Aged seven, Rhodes became interested in classical music and began learning the piano. He entered the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, but failed to make it past the second round.
In 1993, he was offered a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. But due to mental health issues and his father's insistence, Rhodes took a psychology degree at University College, London. On graduation, Rhodes took a job in the City of London, married, had a son and later divorced.
In 2008 he took up the piano again, and the next couple of years saw his profile go from complete unknown to rising star, attracting celebrity fans such as Stephen Fry, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir David Tang. Having performed in non-traditional classical venues, Rhodes built on this performance approach, and became the first core classical pianist to be signed with the world's largest rock label Warner Bros. He also had articles published in UK newspapers The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph.
In 2014-2015, Rhodes' memoir, Instrumental was the subject of a court case, in which his ex-wife attempted to place an injunction on the book, on the grounds it would cause distress to their son. The Supreme Court lifted the injunction so the memoir could be published in May 2015.
[Adapted from Wikipedia.]
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Born into a middle-class Jewish family in St John's Wood, North London, he was educated at Arnold House School, a local all-boys independent preparatory school, where he was sexually abused by a teacher.
Aged seven, Rhodes became interested in classical music and began learning the piano. He entered the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, but failed to make it past the second round.
In 1993, he was offered a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. But due to mental health issues and his father's insistence, Rhodes took a psychology degree at University College, London. On graduation, Rhodes took a job in the City of London, married, had a son and later divorced.
In 2008 he took up the piano again, and the next couple of years saw his profile go from complete unknown to rising star, attracting celebrity fans such as Stephen Fry, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir David Tang. Having performed in non-traditional classical venues, Rhodes built on this performance approach, and became the first core classical pianist to be signed with the world's largest rock label Warner Bros. He also had articles published in UK newspapers The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph.
In 2014-2015, Rhodes' memoir, Instrumental was the subject of a court case, in which his ex-wife attempted to place an injunction on the book, on the grounds it would cause distress to their son. The Supreme Court lifted the injunction so the memoir could be published in May 2015.
[Adapted from Wikipedia.]
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 5, 2020
Este libro es un regalito multisensorial que no solo alegra los ojos y la mente, sino también los oídos y todo el cuerpo. Al incluir una lista de reproducción de Spotify, tus sentidos obtienen un plus adicional al agregar la calidad emocional que solo la música puede aportar.
A través de la música, todo el ser puede experimentar estas estrellas de rock "originales" de la música clásica, un género que a menudo se pasa por alto al considerar la base de la música actual.
El libro es delgado (con las dimensiones de un LP) pero está lleno de detalles. Es difícil no dejarse llevar porque Rhodes escribe con tanto entusiasmo y hace de este un tema muy interesante y en el que te dan ganas de adentrarte. Usando lenguaje coloquial, referencias de la cultura pop e incluso un emoji, Rhodes hace que la historia y la música cobren vida.
Tiene datos extravagantes sobre los compositores y pensamientos del autor, además viene con una lista de reproducción en Spotify para escuchar mientras lees.
Es una colección de músicos clásicos presentada de una manera atrevida, artística y contemporánea. Este es un gran libro para regalar a esa persona que disfruta de la música y se vería super lindo en una mesa de café. El collage, la serigrafía y las ilustraciones digitales de Martin O’Neill están muy bien hechas y se complementan mucho con el texto. Cada página podría convertirse en una obra de arte para enmarcar.
*Gracias a Candlewick Studio por el ejemplar
A través de la música, todo el ser puede experimentar estas estrellas de rock "originales" de la música clásica, un género que a menudo se pasa por alto al considerar la base de la música actual.
El libro es delgado (con las dimensiones de un LP) pero está lleno de detalles. Es difícil no dejarse llevar porque Rhodes escribe con tanto entusiasmo y hace de este un tema muy interesante y en el que te dan ganas de adentrarte. Usando lenguaje coloquial, referencias de la cultura pop e incluso un emoji, Rhodes hace que la historia y la música cobren vida.
Tiene datos extravagantes sobre los compositores y pensamientos del autor, además viene con una lista de reproducción en Spotify para escuchar mientras lees.
Es una colección de músicos clásicos presentada de una manera atrevida, artística y contemporánea. Este es un gran libro para regalar a esa persona que disfruta de la música y se vería super lindo en una mesa de café. El collage, la serigrafía y las ilustraciones digitales de Martin O’Neill están muy bien hechas y se complementan mucho con el texto. Cada página podría convertirse en una obra de arte para enmarcar.
*Gracias a Candlewick Studio por el ejemplar
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October 3, 2019“Bach. Mozart. Beethoven. Old guys with curly wigs, right? But trust me: those composers were the original rock stars.”
Classical music isn’t generally thought of as edge-of-your-seat exciting, but for abused-teen-turned-piano-maestro James Rhodes, it was life-saving.
In Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound (Candlewick Studio), Rhodes invites readers to share his joy. He focuses on the masterworks of seven composers – Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Shubert, Rachmaninoff and Ravel – and explores how their music changed history, inspired millions and continues to enthrall throughout the world.
The book asks readers to open their minds to some of the most breathtaking and magnificent pieces of music ever created, and find out why the rebels and revolutionaries who wrote them are responsible for every track on your phone today. Discover their back stories and how each one shaped and defined classical music.
Believe me, this is no ordinary music theory book. It is a 12-x-12-inch visual masterpiece, with jaw-dropping artwork and avant garde design by Martin O’Neill. It is an exquisite celebration of classical music geared to attract both first-time listeners and longtime fans.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/10/finding-...
Classical music isn’t generally thought of as edge-of-your-seat exciting, but for abused-teen-turned-piano-maestro James Rhodes, it was life-saving.
In Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound (Candlewick Studio), Rhodes invites readers to share his joy. He focuses on the masterworks of seven composers – Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Shubert, Rachmaninoff and Ravel – and explores how their music changed history, inspired millions and continues to enthrall throughout the world.
The book asks readers to open their minds to some of the most breathtaking and magnificent pieces of music ever created, and find out why the rebels and revolutionaries who wrote them are responsible for every track on your phone today. Discover their back stories and how each one shaped and defined classical music.
Believe me, this is no ordinary music theory book. It is a 12-x-12-inch visual masterpiece, with jaw-dropping artwork and avant garde design by Martin O’Neill. It is an exquisite celebration of classical music geared to attract both first-time listeners and longtime fans.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/10/finding-...
November 9, 2019
This is a true gateway book, offering middle schoolers a way to not only learn about really great classical music, but to learn the details (sometimes gritty) about the lives of those composers James Rhodes thinks are rock stars from other eras. He doesn't shy away from the less pretty details of their lives, but those only make their successes that much more amazing. That he's created a Spotify playlist with all the pieces he describes, only makes it easier for those curious about the sounds to experience them. Instead of briefly describing each highlighted work, he gives readers rich and enthusiastic reasons why each piece is a treasure. I can easily imagine younger teens, particularly those who have already started playing an instrument, reading this book and experiencing rekindled enthusiasm. For those less musically inclined, simply reading this book will give them a greater awareness of the way classical music laid a foundation for everything they hear today. Two other bonuses are the detailed orchestra chart, and the mention of which current movie soundtracks and pop songs owe homage to these composers. This is definitely a worthy book for libraries where arts and culture resources for kids are valued.
October 10, 2019
Thanks to Candlewick Press for a copy of this book!
I've been reading, then listening to the provided playlist (on Spotify) for about a week now. first from England, now from Candlewick, James Rhodes gives us readers and listeners an introduction to classical music for everyone, whether novice or professional! One lovely thing is that it is the size of an old record album, you know, an LP!
Rhodes offers a long introduction. Here is part of it:
"Bach. Mozart. Beethoven. Old guys with curly wigs, right? But trust me: those composers were the original rock stars.
Let me introduce you to some of the most breathtaking and magnificent pieces of music ever created. We'll meet the rebels and revolutionaries who wrote them - did you know Beethoven peed into a chamber pot he kept under his piano? - and find out why they're responsible for every track on your phone today. The world of classical music is going to blow your mind.
So take some time out to listen to the online playlist I've curated for you as you read. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff and Ravel: the perfect introduction to classical music."
Each composer's page begins with a stunning double spread by Martin O'Neill with collaged psychedelic art evoking important history from the man's life, adding a head portrait, also with something important near or on. Their lives vary, their music innovated, even corrected prior belief. After the composer's brief biography, two pieces are discussed at length, like where used, what was unusual, and the inspiration from that particular music.
There is one double spread devoted to "The Orchestra", its families of instruments and how they are seated. And one giving a "Time Line of Western Classical Music".
Some quotes and brief pieces of information:
"Bach created some of the most perfect, life-changing music the world has ever known and single-handedly altered the course of musical history."
"Mozart composed his first opera at the age of twelve."
Beethoven said: "Music is like a dream. One that I cannot hear." Yes, he was deaf. He started losing his hearing in his late twenties. His early life was filled with his father, drunk, then waking him and forcing him to play for the father and friends for hours. Because all the money was spent on drink, Beethoven began work as an organist at age eleven to earn money for food.
"Chopin hated performing in public and in his lifetime gave only thirty concerts." He only composed for the piano.
Schubert died at the young age of thirty-one, but "composed more than 1,500 works". Among them was "Ave Maria".
Rachmaninoff, like others, was not wealthy growing up, but his "second symphony was a massive, epic, phenomenal success, and he went on to become one of the richest, most successful and celebrated pianists and composers in the world."
Ravel - Just remember "Boléro". For fifteen minutes, a sixteen-bar melody is repeated in a loop over and over by different instruments, from the quiet to the crescendo until nearly all the instruments are there.
One part I so enjoyed is how Rhodes writes directly to his readers and listeners. He talks about the music, yes, but also about personal victories, not giving up on dreams, etc. It's a pleasing ending to each part. Here, at the end of Rachmaninoff's biography:
"So if anyone has the cheek to tell you that you can't do something you really love, or that you won't amount to much or succeed in life, think about how mean people were about Sergei Rachmaninoff. And how wrong they were. Whatever you dream of doing, go do it. You might be amazed at what happens...."
Back matter includes a musical glossary and an index. The book is meant to be savored, perhaps like I did, a bit at a time, taking in the words, listening, listening to the music. I recognized it all, but now I know more thanks to this fabulous book!
I've been reading, then listening to the provided playlist (on Spotify) for about a week now. first from England, now from Candlewick, James Rhodes gives us readers and listeners an introduction to classical music for everyone, whether novice or professional! One lovely thing is that it is the size of an old record album, you know, an LP!
Rhodes offers a long introduction. Here is part of it:
"Bach. Mozart. Beethoven. Old guys with curly wigs, right? But trust me: those composers were the original rock stars.
Let me introduce you to some of the most breathtaking and magnificent pieces of music ever created. We'll meet the rebels and revolutionaries who wrote them - did you know Beethoven peed into a chamber pot he kept under his piano? - and find out why they're responsible for every track on your phone today. The world of classical music is going to blow your mind.
So take some time out to listen to the online playlist I've curated for you as you read. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff and Ravel: the perfect introduction to classical music."
Each composer's page begins with a stunning double spread by Martin O'Neill with collaged psychedelic art evoking important history from the man's life, adding a head portrait, also with something important near or on. Their lives vary, their music innovated, even corrected prior belief. After the composer's brief biography, two pieces are discussed at length, like where used, what was unusual, and the inspiration from that particular music.
There is one double spread devoted to "The Orchestra", its families of instruments and how they are seated. And one giving a "Time Line of Western Classical Music".
Some quotes and brief pieces of information:
"Bach created some of the most perfect, life-changing music the world has ever known and single-handedly altered the course of musical history."
"Mozart composed his first opera at the age of twelve."
Beethoven said: "Music is like a dream. One that I cannot hear." Yes, he was deaf. He started losing his hearing in his late twenties. His early life was filled with his father, drunk, then waking him and forcing him to play for the father and friends for hours. Because all the money was spent on drink, Beethoven began work as an organist at age eleven to earn money for food.
"Chopin hated performing in public and in his lifetime gave only thirty concerts." He only composed for the piano.
Schubert died at the young age of thirty-one, but "composed more than 1,500 works". Among them was "Ave Maria".
Rachmaninoff, like others, was not wealthy growing up, but his "second symphony was a massive, epic, phenomenal success, and he went on to become one of the richest, most successful and celebrated pianists and composers in the world."
Ravel - Just remember "Boléro". For fifteen minutes, a sixteen-bar melody is repeated in a loop over and over by different instruments, from the quiet to the crescendo until nearly all the instruments are there.
One part I so enjoyed is how Rhodes writes directly to his readers and listeners. He talks about the music, yes, but also about personal victories, not giving up on dreams, etc. It's a pleasing ending to each part. Here, at the end of Rachmaninoff's biography:
"So if anyone has the cheek to tell you that you can't do something you really love, or that you won't amount to much or succeed in life, think about how mean people were about Sergei Rachmaninoff. And how wrong they were. Whatever you dream of doing, go do it. You might be amazed at what happens...."
Back matter includes a musical glossary and an index. The book is meant to be savored, perhaps like I did, a bit at a time, taking in the words, listening, listening to the music. I recognized it all, but now I know more thanks to this fabulous book!
November 17, 2019
***Won from a Goodreads.com Giveaway***
Playlist is a visually captivating book. Illustrated by Martin O’Neill http://cutitout.co.uk/ and written by James Rhodes. Rhodes takes us on a tour of seven well-known composers, the rockstars and godfathers of music. He does acknowledge that there are many other composers he could have chosen and that there is no diversity in those he chose. He does lay out why he made the choices he did in the beginning of the book.
It’s a unique and modern approach to a book, one that is cropping up more and more with interactive books crossing over into web or app form in one way or another. Rhodes’s interactive approach is to integrate a Spotify playlist so you can listen to the songs as you read the book. Don’t worry, you can create a Spotify account for free. You could also listen on YouTube, but be aware that he chose particular musician’s playing the pieces that correspond to the book and certain portions of some songs.
I do have to nitpick a little before going on into each piece. The artwork is fantastic! And the fonts are well chosen…except some of the titles/headers (not all). They seem more fitted to a website than a book. Yes, this book is to be read in conjunction with listening to a playlist on the internet. But it’s just not hitting me right. I especially don’t like when the music titles are spanning two pages. They are on pages that face one another so you don’t have to turn the pages back and forth to read them. But the fold area isn’t done well and breaks it up all wrong. I think it would have worked better on the screen when it was being created or even if it was printed in a pamphlet. I just don’t like it. Then on page 9 the artwork of the flower (think dandelion where the wind blows the seeds away on their own parachutes, but the seeds are music symbols) genius! Except…the overall picture makes me see a butt. :/ But all-in-all, I enjoyed it!
Each composer comes with artwork, a very brief history, and two songs. Each song has it’s own background written about it. Rhodes also includes a Glossary of Musical terms to help you as you read along. Rhodes tries to keep the information brief, fun, entertaining. He also uses modern terms and references in an effort to appeal to a younger audience, which might date the book after a while.
He starts off with Johann Sebastian Bach’s ‘Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prelude’. I did get the rocking sensation of the music and I had fleeting memories of movies/other things where I’ve heard the music before. Rhodes asks: ‘What’s the story you hear? How does this piece make you feel?’ I have to say it makes me feel a little nostalgic, but some of the deeper notes tossed me out of the boat like the flower-butt distracted me from the page.
All the choices Rhodes made were fantastic! My favorite of the group has to be Bolero by Maurice Ravel! Even with it’s repetitiveness, and I do despise repetitiveness, Ravel kept it interesting (even being 15 minutes long!) with drum beats, adding in more and more instruments, and altering the volume with each repetition! Superb!
Playlist is a visually captivating book. Illustrated by Martin O’Neill http://cutitout.co.uk/ and written by James Rhodes. Rhodes takes us on a tour of seven well-known composers, the rockstars and godfathers of music. He does acknowledge that there are many other composers he could have chosen and that there is no diversity in those he chose. He does lay out why he made the choices he did in the beginning of the book.
It’s a unique and modern approach to a book, one that is cropping up more and more with interactive books crossing over into web or app form in one way or another. Rhodes’s interactive approach is to integrate a Spotify playlist so you can listen to the songs as you read the book. Don’t worry, you can create a Spotify account for free. You could also listen on YouTube, but be aware that he chose particular musician’s playing the pieces that correspond to the book and certain portions of some songs.
I do have to nitpick a little before going on into each piece. The artwork is fantastic! And the fonts are well chosen…except some of the titles/headers (not all). They seem more fitted to a website than a book. Yes, this book is to be read in conjunction with listening to a playlist on the internet. But it’s just not hitting me right. I especially don’t like when the music titles are spanning two pages. They are on pages that face one another so you don’t have to turn the pages back and forth to read them. But the fold area isn’t done well and breaks it up all wrong. I think it would have worked better on the screen when it was being created or even if it was printed in a pamphlet. I just don’t like it. Then on page 9 the artwork of the flower (think dandelion where the wind blows the seeds away on their own parachutes, but the seeds are music symbols) genius! Except…the overall picture makes me see a butt. :/ But all-in-all, I enjoyed it!
Each composer comes with artwork, a very brief history, and two songs. Each song has it’s own background written about it. Rhodes also includes a Glossary of Musical terms to help you as you read along. Rhodes tries to keep the information brief, fun, entertaining. He also uses modern terms and references in an effort to appeal to a younger audience, which might date the book after a while.
He starts off with Johann Sebastian Bach’s ‘Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prelude’. I did get the rocking sensation of the music and I had fleeting memories of movies/other things where I’ve heard the music before. Rhodes asks: ‘What’s the story you hear? How does this piece make you feel?’ I have to say it makes me feel a little nostalgic, but some of the deeper notes tossed me out of the boat like the flower-butt distracted me from the page.
All the choices Rhodes made were fantastic! My favorite of the group has to be Bolero by Maurice Ravel! Even with it’s repetitiveness, and I do despise repetitiveness, Ravel kept it interesting (even being 15 minutes long!) with drum beats, adding in more and more instruments, and altering the volume with each repetition! Superb!
November 15, 2019
James Rhodes writes about classical music and features seven revolutionary composers who changed the landscape of music forever. With chapters on Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, and Ravel, this book outlines how music developed over time, and how each of these extraordinary musicians overcame the challenges of their era to create beautiful music that still resonates with musicians today.
I was really intrigued by the wild and colorful artwork depicting each composer, with elements of their time and items representing their music pasted into a chaotic blend. Bach is depicted with grand church buildings behind him, and Mozart has angels, flowers, and sunshine around his head like a halo. Chopin has a flaming heart on his chest, and a piano next to him being destroyed by sledgehammers. Rachmaninoff has butterflies and tigers, along with a diagram of a massive hand. (He had really huge hands; the bane of all pianists who try to play his piano compositions.)
I was a little dissatisfied with the writing style, which is irreverent and flippant. I guess the author is trying to appeal to the modern person by comparing Beethoven to Kanye West, but I didn't appreciate it. And Mozart's incredible composing output is compared to Rihanna or Coldplay releasing six albums a year, to emphasize how much and how quickly Mozart was writing. The author is trying to create some kind of bridge to the modern world, but I would prefer to just hear the history and make my own conclusions about the modern-day influences of these composers.
One thing I did love about this book is the obvious enthusiasm of the author for these composers and their music. The book really inspires the reader to listen carefully to classical music, and appreciate the different emotions and styles and technical perfection of some of the greatest music ever written!
I really liked how the chapters are organized. We are given a short bio on each composer, including some elements of their time in history and personal relationship and family life that definitely influenced and inspired their music. Then there are two ground-breaking pieces that are analyzed and described, as you listen along with the playlist, showcasing the genius of the composer and telling why that piece in particular is so important.
I was really intrigued by the wild and colorful artwork depicting each composer, with elements of their time and items representing their music pasted into a chaotic blend. Bach is depicted with grand church buildings behind him, and Mozart has angels, flowers, and sunshine around his head like a halo. Chopin has a flaming heart on his chest, and a piano next to him being destroyed by sledgehammers. Rachmaninoff has butterflies and tigers, along with a diagram of a massive hand. (He had really huge hands; the bane of all pianists who try to play his piano compositions.)
I was a little dissatisfied with the writing style, which is irreverent and flippant. I guess the author is trying to appeal to the modern person by comparing Beethoven to Kanye West, but I didn't appreciate it. And Mozart's incredible composing output is compared to Rihanna or Coldplay releasing six albums a year, to emphasize how much and how quickly Mozart was writing. The author is trying to create some kind of bridge to the modern world, but I would prefer to just hear the history and make my own conclusions about the modern-day influences of these composers.
One thing I did love about this book is the obvious enthusiasm of the author for these composers and their music. The book really inspires the reader to listen carefully to classical music, and appreciate the different emotions and styles and technical perfection of some of the greatest music ever written!
I really liked how the chapters are organized. We are given a short bio on each composer, including some elements of their time in history and personal relationship and family life that definitely influenced and inspired their music. Then there are two ground-breaking pieces that are analyzed and described, as you listen along with the playlist, showcasing the genius of the composer and telling why that piece in particular is so important.
November 21, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Kids today are online at a very young age nowadays. With so much information at their supervised fingertips, there is such a wealth of learning materials for the searching. James Rhodes does a fantastic job by creating an interactive online experience that teaches kids about the early masters of music that are responsible for the bringing music to the world.
I won’t go into details regarding the app or online connection but I will discuss the book. If you want to know more about this online interaction, then pick up the book and give it a whirl! 🙂
The book is large, and its pages are filled with lots of reading material accompanied by illustrations to compliment the information. Martin O’Neill made his artwork captivating and bright to offer a visual learning experience that is both fascinating and engaging. The huge amount of knowledge shared with young readers between its pages is wonderful and perfect for the junior reader, around ages seven to ten. I would suggest for the younger readers of this age spectrum that they read with a parent so that things they may not understand can be explained. Also, there is the online connection that will help. For older readers that struggle with reading, this book would be ideal.
Although James Rhodes chooses only a handful of masters he explains that there are others who influenced the development of music throughout the ages. This is a popular topic and one that every child should experience to understand where their favorite music comes from, how the classics started it all.
I love this book, and think all schools should have this book included in their libraries. It provides an abundance of learning materials in an engaging format that could make the learning experience easier to understand.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Kids today are online at a very young age nowadays. With so much information at their supervised fingertips, there is such a wealth of learning materials for the searching. James Rhodes does a fantastic job by creating an interactive online experience that teaches kids about the early masters of music that are responsible for the bringing music to the world.
I won’t go into details regarding the app or online connection but I will discuss the book. If you want to know more about this online interaction, then pick up the book and give it a whirl! 🙂
The book is large, and its pages are filled with lots of reading material accompanied by illustrations to compliment the information. Martin O’Neill made his artwork captivating and bright to offer a visual learning experience that is both fascinating and engaging. The huge amount of knowledge shared with young readers between its pages is wonderful and perfect for the junior reader, around ages seven to ten. I would suggest for the younger readers of this age spectrum that they read with a parent so that things they may not understand can be explained. Also, there is the online connection that will help. For older readers that struggle with reading, this book would be ideal.
Although James Rhodes chooses only a handful of masters he explains that there are others who influenced the development of music throughout the ages. This is a popular topic and one that every child should experience to understand where their favorite music comes from, how the classics started it all.
I love this book, and think all schools should have this book included in their libraries. It provides an abundance of learning materials in an engaging format that could make the learning experience easier to understand.
September 1, 2021
I love classical music. And this book does an amazing job of introducing middle and high schoolers (and even adults!) to classical music. It focuses on seven composers - Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, and Ravel. He talks about how the music of these composers changed history and also mentions how their music is foundational for the music being created today. He even lists modern works inspired by these musicians and different movies that include their music. His writing is engaging and the illustrations are amazing. Here are a few facts that I learned reading this book but there are many, many more. Rhodes is a musician himself and he includes helpful definitions for different musical terms. He also addresses the "all white guys" of classical music.
Want to own all of Mozart's compositions? 180 CDs. He died when he was 35 so that is the equivalent of releasing six albums a year for thirty years.
Beethoven was physically abused by his alcoholic father when he was a child.
Schubert died when he was thirty-one. He wrote more than twice as many songs as the Beatles - and there were four of them.
Be a Rachmaninoff (pursue your dreams). The man had big hands - he could span 12 piano keys with one hand!
World War 1 and the death of his mother changed Ravel and his music - his compositions became more somber. And he was influenced by American jazz and the Blues.
Also - the author has a playlist on Spotify that goes along with the pieces he highlights in the book so you won't have to search for them on your own.
The author certainly has his own preferences for music but he highlights amazing composers and their works while making them a relevant and attainable for those who may not know a lot about classical music - or want to know more!
Highly recommended - I hope every library has a copy of this book on their shelves.
Want to own all of Mozart's compositions? 180 CDs. He died when he was 35 so that is the equivalent of releasing six albums a year for thirty years.
Beethoven was physically abused by his alcoholic father when he was a child.
Schubert died when he was thirty-one. He wrote more than twice as many songs as the Beatles - and there were four of them.
Be a Rachmaninoff (pursue your dreams). The man had big hands - he could span 12 piano keys with one hand!
World War 1 and the death of his mother changed Ravel and his music - his compositions became more somber. And he was influenced by American jazz and the Blues.
Also - the author has a playlist on Spotify that goes along with the pieces he highlights in the book so you won't have to search for them on your own.
The author certainly has his own preferences for music but he highlights amazing composers and their works while making them a relevant and attainable for those who may not know a lot about classical music - or want to know more!
Highly recommended - I hope every library has a copy of this book on their shelves.
January 8, 2025
"Playlist: Rebeldes y revolucionarios de la música" es una introducción accesible y amena al mundo de la música clásica, especialmente dirigida a un público infantil y juvenil. El libro destaca por su capacidad para acercar a compositores clásicos a nuevas generaciones a través de analogías, comparaciones y anécdotas que resultan efectivas y contemporáneas.
En sus setenta y tres páginas, la obra ofrece un recorrido ligero pero entretenido por las vidas y obras de varios compositores clásicos, salpicado de detalles curiosos y anécdotas que mantienen el interés del lector. Un valor añadido es la inclusión de una playlist en Spotify que acompaña la lectura, permitiendo una experiencia inmersiva que combina texto y música.
La edición física del libro merece mención especial por su cuidada presentación: una caja contenedora, tapa dura y materiales de calidad que lo convierten en un producto atractivo. Considerando estos aspectos, su precio en el mercado (encontrado nuevo en Colombia, en oferta, por aproximadamente 7 dólares) representa una excelente relación calidad-precio para un libro de estas características.
Sin embargo, el diseño de la portada y el póster incluido resultan algo desconcertantes, ya que dan un protagonismo visual al autor que parece desproporcionado en relación con el verdadero contenido del libro: los compositores clásicos que se supone son los protagonistas de esta historia. Este detalle, algo "cringe", contrasta con la intención divulgativa de la obra.
Libro recomendable para quienes buscan una primera aproximación a la música clásica y sus creadores, sea para público joven o adultos interesados en un acercamiento ligero al tema. Si bien no profundiza exhaustivamente en ningún aspecto, cumple eficazmente su función como introducción amena y accesible al mundo de la música clásica.
En sus setenta y tres páginas, la obra ofrece un recorrido ligero pero entretenido por las vidas y obras de varios compositores clásicos, salpicado de detalles curiosos y anécdotas que mantienen el interés del lector. Un valor añadido es la inclusión de una playlist en Spotify que acompaña la lectura, permitiendo una experiencia inmersiva que combina texto y música.
La edición física del libro merece mención especial por su cuidada presentación: una caja contenedora, tapa dura y materiales de calidad que lo convierten en un producto atractivo. Considerando estos aspectos, su precio en el mercado (encontrado nuevo en Colombia, en oferta, por aproximadamente 7 dólares) representa una excelente relación calidad-precio para un libro de estas características.
Sin embargo, el diseño de la portada y el póster incluido resultan algo desconcertantes, ya que dan un protagonismo visual al autor que parece desproporcionado en relación con el verdadero contenido del libro: los compositores clásicos que se supone son los protagonistas de esta historia. Este detalle, algo "cringe", contrasta con la intención divulgativa de la obra.
Libro recomendable para quienes buscan una primera aproximación a la música clásica y sus creadores, sea para público joven o adultos interesados en un acercamiento ligero al tema. Si bien no profundiza exhaustivamente en ningún aspecto, cumple eficazmente su función como introducción amena y accesible al mundo de la música clásica.
October 22, 2019
Right off the bat, with the gorgeously colorful marbled paper-art end-pages, you know this book is going to be engaging. This book is a multi-sensory treat exciting not just the eyes and mind but also the ears and the whole body. By including a Spotify play-list, your senses get an extra jolt by adding the emotional quality that only music can bring. Through music, the whole being is able to experience these “original” rock stars of classical music, a genre often overlooked when considering the basis of current music. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven are hip!
The back stories plus the ties to current day movies, and music offer just enough information to entice even the most stubborn “pop” fan into appreciating the inspiring stories of these great composers. I was motivated to find the full tracks of the songs and really listen to these amazing pieces that helped shaped every piece of music and ring tone we hear today.
This is a great gift book and would look especially awesome on a coffee table or for your favorite band teacher! The collage, silkscreen & digital illustrations by Martin O’Neill are really well done and are very exciting and add a lot to the text. Each one could become a framed piece of art!
The back stories plus the ties to current day movies, and music offer just enough information to entice even the most stubborn “pop” fan into appreciating the inspiring stories of these great composers. I was motivated to find the full tracks of the songs and really listen to these amazing pieces that helped shaped every piece of music and ring tone we hear today.
This is a great gift book and would look especially awesome on a coffee table or for your favorite band teacher! The collage, silkscreen & digital illustrations by Martin O’Neill are really well done and are very exciting and add a lot to the text. Each one could become a framed piece of art!
March 2, 2022
Rebeldes y Revolucionarios de la música ] @jrhodespianist
Este es un libro corto de 70 páginas, es una introducción a la música clásica en donde el autor nos lleva a descubrir a los rebeldes y revolucionarios que hay detrás de las obras maestras de la música y así saber por qué ellos son los verdaderos responsables de todas las canciones que escuchamos.
Rhodes nos transmite su amor a la música clásica y lo que la música ha hecho por él, ya que su infancia estuvo llena de abusos, dice: "Bash me salvó la vida. Y yo amo la vida".
Rhodes es un concertista de piano y escritor británico-español, y activista por la protección de los menores contra los abusos sexuales en España.
La música clásica es un género que a menudo se pasa por alto cuando se considera la base de la música actual. Para el autor Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff y Ravel son las estrellas de rock "originales" de la música y a través de cada una de estas páginas nos lleva a conocer sus inspiradoras historias.
Este es un libro corto de 70 páginas, es una introducción a la música clásica en donde el autor nos lleva a descubrir a los rebeldes y revolucionarios que hay detrás de las obras maestras de la música y así saber por qué ellos son los verdaderos responsables de todas las canciones que escuchamos.
Rhodes nos transmite su amor a la música clásica y lo que la música ha hecho por él, ya que su infancia estuvo llena de abusos, dice: "Bash me salvó la vida. Y yo amo la vida".
Rhodes es un concertista de piano y escritor británico-español, y activista por la protección de los menores contra los abusos sexuales en España.
La música clásica es un género que a menudo se pasa por alto cuando se considera la base de la música actual. Para el autor Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff y Ravel son las estrellas de rock "originales" de la música y a través de cada una de estas páginas nos lleva a conocer sus inspiradoras historias.
October 13, 2019
Presented in a bold, artsy, contemporary fashion, this collection of classical musicians will never seem the same to you again.
I truly love the classics and some soothe and some enliven. They all speak to the heart and soul of man (or woman, or child, or even.... teen). When I opened the pages of Playlist I was surprised at the interpretation of the composers and their place in the development of music through the ages.
Bits of their lives and the impact they had on society resonate to the reader and also as we listen to their music.
The book does not have a selection you can actually listen to. You'll have to seek those out for yourself. But the book guides and enriches the mind as you listen to the beauty that is in the works of art spoken to in the pages of Playlist.
I highly recommend.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
I truly love the classics and some soothe and some enliven. They all speak to the heart and soul of man (or woman, or child, or even.... teen). When I opened the pages of Playlist I was surprised at the interpretation of the composers and their place in the development of music through the ages.
Bits of their lives and the impact they had on society resonate to the reader and also as we listen to their music.
The book does not have a selection you can actually listen to. You'll have to seek those out for yourself. But the book guides and enriches the mind as you listen to the beauty that is in the works of art spoken to in the pages of Playlist.
I highly recommend.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
October 21, 2020
3.5 Stars I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this book. I have been exposed to classical music over the years in my musical training but it hasn't been my go to music.
This was fun to read about the composer and then hear their work. (If he didn't provided a spotify playlist I still would have looked up the pieces"
I don't love the pictures, I think the are too weird and abstract. But this book is for kids, so they might appeal to them.
Also, this is what I call a sip book. It is really hard to read it cover to cover in one setting. You need to read a section, listen to the music. Ponder the music. Then the next day, do the same for the next section.
This would be a really great Semester of Music Literacy for a music class for a middle school or high school music/choir class.
All in all, I was very interesting. My hands hurt just thinking about Rachmaninoff. I also think Bolero is the early 20th century version of baby shark...dut dut dut dutah
This was fun to read about the composer and then hear their work. (If he didn't provided a spotify playlist I still would have looked up the pieces"
I don't love the pictures, I think the are too weird and abstract. But this book is for kids, so they might appeal to them.
Also, this is what I call a sip book. It is really hard to read it cover to cover in one setting. You need to read a section, listen to the music. Ponder the music. Then the next day, do the same for the next section.
This would be a really great Semester of Music Literacy for a music class for a middle school or high school music/choir class.
All in all, I was very interesting. My hands hurt just thinking about Rachmaninoff. I also think Bolero is the early 20th century version of baby shark...dut dut dut dutah
June 8, 2021
What a great primer for classical music, especially for younger people. Rhodes perfectly balances giving a great amount of information in a casual enough tone to not feel like a lecture, without ever going so far to sound as if he's talking down to the reader, or attempting to sound too "hip". I also appreciate that while this is enjoyable to read all the way through it's also written in a way that someone could jump from place to place, or skim, and not lose the thread of information. The whole idea of having the playlist to listen to as you learn the contexts of the composers and their pieces is fantastic, and I really do think this can, and will, grow an appreciation for some who have never thought much about classical music and opera.
September 22, 2019
Un fantástico libro para iniciarse en el maravilloso mundo de la música clásica. No importa a qué edad lo hagas o cuál es tu cultura musical previa, Rhodes te lleva de la mano con un lenguaje ameno por la vida de los compositores seleccionados dejándote una estupenda playlist en spotify. El libro se lee en nada pero es imprescindible escuchar la música referenciada y disfrutarla muy intensamente. Al final descubrirás que los verdaderos músicos a los que admiras eran aquellos que detestaba estudiar en el colegio debido a un sistema fallido, ya que estos compositores sentaron las bases de toda la música que escuchamos hoy.
January 18, 2020
Music. Close your eyes for a moment and just try to imagine a world without it. Can you think of anything more boring, depressing, or lifeless? It would be living in a black-and-white universe. Music gives flavor and color to the world in which we live. It inspires us, united us, and can even make us a better people. But no matter what music you like, the truth is that it will always have some roots in older music. Because the brand-new music of today was actually born many hundreds of years ago. It has slowly but surely grown, adapted, and evolved to end up with what you hear now at a stadium gig or on Spotify.
January 25, 2020
Absolutely stunning. Full of information on some of the top composers in classical music, this book is perfect for any middle or high school library, especially for students studying or playing orchestral music. The layout is beautiful, the colors vibrant, and also includes a top 10 playlist by the author, to listen to as you read. While there is a link to a Spotify playlist to hear the playlist, which may curb the shelf life of this book, this resource is easily booktalked to music teachers as well as music students. I am impressed. Looking forward to adding this to my MS library shelves!
June 22, 2022
An oversized, colorful, beautifully designed book written for kids to get them interested in classical music. The book focuses on seven of the greatest composers in history and also includes information on the make up of the orchestra, a timeline of classical music, and information on how to appreciate classical music.
I learned quite a bit from this book and really dug the design and illustrations. I highly recommend this book for children and their parents. You don't even need to make a mixtape of the music, as the author has done that for you and put it on his website.
I learned quite a bit from this book and really dug the design and illustrations. I highly recommend this book for children and their parents. You don't even need to make a mixtape of the music, as the author has done that for you and put it on his website.
October 13, 2019
Le doy 5 estrellas porque lo tiene todo. Creo verdaderamente que la gente a la que no le gusta la música clásica es porque no la entiende y está es l oportunidad perfecta para hacerlo. La playlist que acompaña la lectura es genial. Los compositores elegidos con vidas súper interesantes y datos curiosísimos. Las explicaciones hacen que valores cada una de las piezas. Es lectura, es música, es
James Rhodes. 👏🏻👏🏻
James Rhodes. 👏🏻👏🏻
December 9, 2019
Well, wasn't this such a delight!
The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound was so much fun to read, especially when I followed along to the Spotify playlist! It was a good, quick training for my musical ear, and a peaceful way to spend my afternoon!
I thank the author and Candlewick Press for gifting me this book, and recommend it to readers who are looking to expand their musical tastes.
And yes, Rhodes, I liked it. It was excellent. You can put your hands in ice, now.
The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound was so much fun to read, especially when I followed along to the Spotify playlist! It was a good, quick training for my musical ear, and a peaceful way to spend my afternoon!
I thank the author and Candlewick Press for gifting me this book, and recommend it to readers who are looking to expand their musical tastes.
And yes, Rhodes, I liked it. It was excellent. You can put your hands in ice, now.
December 19, 2019
Just a fabulous read and beautifully illustrated book on the top classical composers. Key insights, history and storytelling on each musical piece featured on his Spotify playlist ‘top favorites’. He makes all of this classical music accessible for the modern listener. The book is laid out in magazine style. It’s witty and smart and insightful. He does a great job bringing “classical music into the 21st century. “
November 16, 2020
Eye-catching cover and a oversized book added lovely decor to my living room until I finally picked up to browse. Then I got hooked immediately. Sneaky title, that Rhodes! This book offers short bios, greatest hits and juicy trivia about the greatest men (yup, only men) of Classical music. From Bach to Rachmaninov, Rhodes gives his opinions on why you need to know about these dudes to understand their important impact and influence on music today.
June 18, 2025
En este perfil amamos a la gente que habla apasionadamente de los temas que le gustan y James Rhodes exuda pasión por la música cada vez que habla (y escribe), y aquí honra y quienes formaron la música clásica, como contribuyeron a la música actual y nos da una minibiografía de todos ellos, donde quita la idea del genio celebrado y los muestra como los genios y rockstars que realmente fueron en su época.
January 5, 2020
Para los fans de Rhodes es un libro con unas ilustraciones preciosas donde te explica de forma más agradable toda la teoría que alguna vez nos han explicado en el colegio de forma tan estricta. Como profesora que soy, lo veo como una buena herramienta para explicar curiosidades a los alumnos y hacerlo más agradable.
January 16, 2020
This book is incredibly fun! The size of a record album, this book explains some famous classical and more contemporary composers, including information about the composers' lives as well as explanations and analysis of some of their famous compositions. The best part? The author created a playlist on Spotify so you can listen to the songs as you read about them! Love it!
February 7, 2020
James Rhodes who has released seven albums, all of which have topped the iTunes classical charts, presents his ultimate play list. It can be accessed through any internet browser, and together with this book he introduces seven of the greatest composers of all time. The artwork is stunning and the information is bold and interesting. A must have for music teachers and classical music lovers.
March 31, 2020
I love James Rhodes, anyone as talented and passionate about music as he is, is a good egg. He's written this book to encourage YAs to look into classical music. Its a good curation of seven composers with a couple of key works selected. Been good to dip into this and dig out the selections from my collection.
August 3, 2020
4.5
James Rhodes has written an enticing invitation to teens, into the world of classical music. Beginning with his own playlist (which is now on my phone), Rhodes guides the reader through interesting tidbits about the composers and explains how they influenced the music of today. I already love Beethoven, Chopin , Mozart et al.....but now I have gone deeper into their lives and genius.
James Rhodes has written an enticing invitation to teens, into the world of classical music. Beginning with his own playlist (which is now on my phone), Rhodes guides the reader through interesting tidbits about the composers and explains how they influenced the music of today. I already love Beethoven, Chopin , Mozart et al.....but now I have gone deeper into their lives and genius.
August 23, 2020
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I loved everything about this book: the format, the interactivity of having a playlist while reading, the information about classical composers and pieces I had never heard. This is a wonderful introduction to classical music and music history that won’t be a total turn off for contemporary music lovers. A must for your 6-12 library collections!
September 23, 2019
If you have a classical music buff - he/she will LOVE this book! OR maybe you just encourage people to read it and they may become a classical music fan! What a fun way to explore composers and their work!
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