Classical Music (Visual Reference Guides Series) by Charles Wiffen John Burrows

Eyewitness Companions

by Charles Wiffen John Burrows, Charles Wiffen

Classical Music (Visual Reference Guides Series) by Charles Wiffen John Burrows (2010-05-04)

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference, History, Classical Music

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a typically well constructed Eyewitness Companions book. The focus is classical music, bridging the time period from 1000 to the present. The editor-in-charge, John Burrows, notes the goal of this book (Page 10): "The book should inform, excite, inspire and be very accessible to Classical music lovers of all ages and levels of knowledge." The Introduction is authored by Lady Solti, the widow of the great conductor, Sir Georg Solti. She observes that (Page 11): "Music is in my opinion the missing link between the physical and the spirit; it is also a great educator.

As with all Eyewitness Companions works, the opening sections provide background and context. Among the key subjects: the elements of classical music, including pitch, intervals, harmony, rhythm, tempo (Have you always been curious about what terms like andante and allegro and vivace mean? Check out page 21), and dynamics (Pianissimo to Fortissimo), inter alia. The next part of the book explores the instruments of classical music, discussing the evolution of instruments over the centuries. Then, classical music in performance, including the development of the concert. Once more, there is an historical context provided.

Then, the book moves to a period-by-period examination of classical music, from early music (1000-1600) to modern music (1900-present). For each period, there is a nice opening discussion on the nature of music of the time. The first significant composers include artists such as Hildegard de Bingen (1098-1179), Guillaume de Machaut (1300-1377), Guillaume Dufay (1397-1474), Josquin Desprez (145-1521), Thomas Tallis (1505-1585), and Giovanni Palestrina (1525-1594). The next era, the Baroque covers roughly the time frame from 1600-1750. Of the many great composers, a few of those covered in this segment include Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643), Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706), George Frederic Handel (1685-1759), Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). And so on, including the Classical Era, the Romantic Era, Romantic Opera, Modern Music, along with an interesting discussion of "National Schools" from 1830-1950.

The waterfront is covered, although, with the format of this book, there is no room for depth of consideration for any single composer. But one will get a sense of the sweep of classical music over a period of a thousand years. There are some composers whom I would have liked to have seen appear in this work, such as the quirky George Antheil and the contemporary Jennifer Higdon.

For the reader who wants a useful introduction to the subject, this book is worth acquiring.

[André · Rating 3 out of 5]

This handy guide starts by describing the main elements within classical music (technique terms like Harmony, Rhythm, Tempo, etc), the Instruments of Classical Music and Classical Music in concert (orchestra's structures). The following part(main part) highlights the History of Classical Music, divided in seven chapters: Ancient Music (1000-1600), Baroque Period (1600-1750), Classical Period (1750-1820), Romantic Period (1810-1920), Romantic Opera (1810-1920), National Schools (1830-1950) and Modern Music (1900-Present).
In the History section, each chapter starts with a summarized History of its style (historical chronology, musical features and so on) and it follows by the relevant composers and their repertoire. In the composers' pages, it makes references to their biographies and main works.

This guide is very useful to learn globally the evolution of Classical Music. Furthermore, it can be a great source to discover new composers and new works. In addition, it's well organized, easy to read and a fine source to consult whenever necessary.

[Shane]

3.5 stars
If you are familiar with Dorling Kindersley Books, you will appreciate the layout of this reference book. It's the size of a large thick trade paperback with a heavy laminated cover - nice and sturdy. Although the descriptions are very summarized, as a quick reference, it was interesting to read because it filled in some gaps for me. Yes, I am familiar with many composers but there were many, many more of whom were unknown. I have a fuller perception of Classical music. It makes me wonder why certain composers retain prominent presence in the 20th and 21st century and others have fallen into oblivion.

[LOVEROFBOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!

This has composers I've never even heard of, and since it has the compositions they wrote, I can go to iTunes and hear them.

Because of this book I've discovered the joys of Paganini and deepened my love for Haydn. You can't go wrong with all the information and pictures in this book. This is one I take into bed with me before sleeping just to read a little every night but it's hard for me to put down. I also find it interesting reading about the composers that knew each other and helped one another. And to think I found this in the bargain section of the store and almost passed it up!

[basil · Rating 4 out of 5]

this has a lot of sentimental value to me

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book!

[Dina Hady · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful and beautiful simple reference