14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remember this: I am encyclopedic, not exhaustive, April 27, 2008
This review is from: Classical Music (Eyewitness Companions) (Turtleback)
The cover to "Classical Music: Eyewitness Companions" touts its own summary: "Composers. Performers. Instruments. Key Works." Still, that is not entirely accurate. Like an encyclopedia, the book contains articles of varying lengths; unlike an encyclopedia, articles are arranged chronologically.
A quote by Victor Hugo opens the door to classical music: "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
Elements of classical music are defined and explained, setting the background for articles to come. Illustrated by photos, each family of instruments is established.
Then begins the chronological arrangement of the history of classical music. To give an idea of the range and limit of this approach, I will take you through the article on Beethoven. The rest of the book follows suit.
A quote by Mozart, his elder in music: "Keep your eye on him; one day he will make the world talk of him." His impact is encapsulated: "the supreme iconic figure of Western music....calling himself a 'poet in sound'....his music mirrored his beliefs in the prevailing spirit of individualism by emphasizing personal expression over traditional form..."(157).
Called the bridge from Classical (balanced music) to Romantic (wide range of notes), Beethoven created expressive, passionate, innovative music, unheard of in the classical world. His life and temperament surely urged those creations. The first sub-article briefly summarizes his life in one paragraph, contains a chart of his "Musical Output," describes the history of his music in one and one-half pages. There are pictures of his piano and one hearing aid.
The next four pages provide summaries and the impact of a few of his works (remember: encyclopedic, not exhaustive). Included are piano sonatas (Beethoven was a piano virtuoso), a trio, piano concerto, violin concerto, two symphonies--No. 6 and No. 9. Amazingly, No 5 is not included. There are also a string quartet and his only opera, the "Fidelio."
To illustrate the articles, photos, paintings, sketches, and charts include one of Napoleon to whom Beethoven initially dedicated his "Eroica" symphony, then removed it when Napoleon declared himself emperor. Another box describes Beethoven's change in the world of classical music by demanding support from patrons rather than groveling for it as Mozart often had to do.
A photograph of a string quartet, one source of the sublime music of Beethoven's last period, composed when he was totally deaf and could "hear" only his internal music, shows instrumentalists playing "String Quartet, Op. 130."
A fantastic chart depicts the powerful and relentless repetition and alterations of the leit-motifs in the "Appassionata" sonata, so characteristic of his music once he freed himself of Classical restraint and constraints.
Beethoven was one of a kind. If you own this book, read this article and are left wanting more, you then go to Amazon to order a book strictly concerning Beethoven or his music. Or you go to your local bookstore or local library for a book. You can also buy music or check it out so you can listen to the music.
"Classical Music: Eyewitness Companions" is an introductory summary of the history of classical music, performers, instruments, and key words. Anything more must be sought elsewhere. Right now it is raining, I'm going make a cup of coffee, get out my "Eroica" and listen to this heroic composition by an heroic composer: Ludwig van Beethoven.
Dedicated to Art Centurion, Giordano Bruno for music;
Steve P. and Don B. for Eyewitness Companions
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
visually attractive, November 14, 2005
This review is from: Classical Music (Eyewitness Companions) (Turtleback)
Far more composers are included than you'd expect in this almost pocketsize volume.
Light and enjoyable reading, yet an excellent overview of 'classical music' for everyone. Many terms are defined, some aren't and you wish they were. Helpful index in the back. Good quick reference, never bogs down with too much information.
Stirred my curiousity over and over again to go out and learn more on this huge subject we call 'classical music'. The 'snapshot' descriptions are easy to read and interesting for the casual reader.
I truly loved the pictures and imagery throughout this book. Top Notch quality! However, not all the photos are identified or given descriptions. Perhaps that is by design though... Never-the-less, the stunning visuals makes this book a definite keeper!
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