Customer Reviews

Discovering Great Music: A New Listener's Guide to the Top Classical Composers and Their Best Recordings

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Ever wanted to listen to classical music but didnt know what to listen to or whom first? This is a perfect book for the beginner wanting to know about classical music, or the seasoned listener that wants to fresh his memory of why classical music is such a wonderful experience. It tells of great recordings and why they are so, and gives a brief biography of the composers of the world. A nice companion to have while listening to your new found (or old) love of music.

Even though I've been a classical music fan for years, I have found Hemming's guide to be an indispensable resource. He recommends specific recordings and tells you why they're good, and he gives you enough info to help you enjoy the pieces he picks out as each composer's best work.

After watching the movie Amadeus my interest in classical music was born and I desperately needed a guide. Roy Hemmings book filled the "guide" requirement splendidly as I had no idea where to begin. I have discovered so much with Roy's help and my interest in this musical genre has never waned since. Thankyou Roy for expanding my repertoire!

Better recordings and performances have been available in the last 17 years than have been recommended in this book. This book was published in 1994 and the biographical data and recommended recordings are badly out of date. And the recommendations are mainly orchestral music. On the plus side the book is extremely easy to read and use and the significance and background of the composer is laid out in alphabetical order by name. The famous musical pieces are described without jargon or technicality and are clear to the point. The young generation of talent, however, such as Lang Lang, Hilary Hahn and Vasily Petrenko are missing. Great performances and recordings in the last 17 years are also missing. This book would be a winner if it were updated.

Hemming does a very good job of sifting through the thousands of recordings available. After buying many of the recordings Hemming suggested, I can attest to his musical knowledge and taste. This book provides a tremendous boost to the person starting a classical music collection. My copy is falling apart because it has been used so often.

This book was a real disappointment. Mr. Hemming is almost exclusively interested in orchestral music, and addresses chamber music only when he has little choice -- with Chopin, for example. Beethoven's sonatas don't merit anyone's attention? Give me a break. There are more balanced, inclusive guides to be had.