Complete Book of Classical Music Pb [Paperback]

David Ewen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1989

This invaluable musical compendium contains biographies of over 100 composers, including many before the age of J.S. Bach, and an analysis of over a thousand of their compositions in all branches of music. To provide historical perspective, the composers are in chronological order, beginning with Guillaume de Machaut and ending with Richard Strauss. A critical evaluation and biography of each composer is followed by a list of his major works, presented in order of composition, with programme and analytical notes allowing the reader to trace the growth and evolution of each composer from apprenticeship to full maturity. Notes on early and lesser-known works are also included. Unusual and interesting features are the discussion of less familiar composers and the inclusion of detailed ballet and opera plots. "The Complete Book of Classical Music" is one of the most comprehensive single-volume reference works ever published and is now available in paperback for the first time.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Ewen, whom Time magazine once described as 'music's interpreter to the American people', was among the most widely read writers on music in the world. He wrote about fifty books on every facet of music, serious and popular. Among Mr Ewen's works are: The World of Great Composers, The World of 20th Century Music, The Home Book of Musical Knowledge and Panorama of American Popular Music. His biographies includes those of Schubert, Johann Strauss, Haydn, Toscanini, and George Gershwin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 968 pages
• Publisher: Robert Hale (September 28, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0709038658
• ISBN-13: 978-0709038658
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,476,428 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Highbrow Reference Book, October 13, 2011

By 

meow tomcat (British Columbia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Book of Classical Music Pb (Paperback)

David Ewen (1907- 1985) was a popular author of over 50 books on popular music, classical composers, music biographies, opera and music appreciation. He wrote for the mainstream public in America. The time period of this 946 page reference book is from Guillaume de Machaut (1300- 1377) to Richard Strauss (1864-1949). The over 100 composers are arranged in chronological order. The format is a biographical write up that includes an evaluation of the composer's contribution to music, followed by a listing of major works (not all their works), with programmatic and analytical notes. The bibliography is 10 pages. There are no pictures or illustrations, nor any CD or vinyl record recommendations

This is not a book that treats you like a dummy and tries to sell you the music. The author does not define musical terms, such as what is a concerto, nor try to amuse you with wise cracks or scandalous tidbits. Although many of the 1,000 compositions mentioned are described in a short paragraph, this is not specifically a music appreciation book.

This book was written in 1965 and can be taken as an accessible reference book mid-way between a Reader's Digest article and Groves Dictionary of Musicians. Authorities on music, such as H. C. Robbins Landon, are sometimes quoted. The tone is reserved with praise carefully considered. The music and the composer's lives are respected. Turn on your music, sit back and relax as you look up the composer or the music whether a concerto, string quartet, sonata, symphony, oratorio, or opera.