The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs: Yearbook (2002/2003) [Paperback]

Ivan March (Author), Edward Greenfield (Author), Robert Layton (Author), Paul Czajkowski (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0140515305 | ISBN-13: 978-0140515305 | Publication Date: February 15, 2003 | Edition: Rev&Updtd

This biannual update includes a thorough assessment of audio and video discs, making it the most complete guide to classical music available.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ivan March is a well-known lecturer, journalist, and writer in the world of recorded music.

Edward Greenfield was on the staff of the Guardian for forty years and is a regular BBC broadcaster.

Robert Layton is a journalist and broadcaster.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Rev&Updtd edition (February 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140515305
• ISBN-13: 978-0140515305
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,609,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition..., April 16, 2003

By 

dcreader (Washington DC area) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs: Yearbook (2002/2003) (Paperback)

This 02/03 yearbook, which is designed to keep the biannual Penguin Guide to Classical Music, is similar to its excellent forebears, and even has some improvements. Of particular note is that DVDs are now included with CDs in the ratings rather than being segregated in its own section in back. I would like to see Penguin continue this format when it publishes its 04 guide next year.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing change and new musicians presented, October 22, 2003

By 

Dr. Alan D. Kardoff "animal lover" (Palm Bay, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs: Yearbook (2002/2003) (Paperback)

This guide, although not thick, provides the reader with information on many of the lesser known and contemporary
composers, conductors and artists worldwide. Moreover, in
giving ratings, one can find "new blood," rather than strictly
citing the old standards. This is okay but there are other musicians. Sadly, previous editions of Penguin & Gramophone
miss/don't include a lot of them. Don't buy this guide thinking you will have loads of DVDs mentioned. This is excellent for CDs and opens the door for more coverage
of classical music DVDs as they appear. Sadly, there are
a large number of classical music VHS and only perhaps
two handsful are mentioned in Gramophone, while Penguin
somehow has bypassed the VHS. Sections included in this guide including "Great Composers of the Twentieth Century" are
a joy to read. Also there are many pages devoted to recitals
by instruments other than the piano and violin.

I highly recommend this book. It is excellent, new and
a welcome addition to the literature.

Dr. Alan Kardoff, Melbourne FL

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE, October 18, 2003

By 

TIMOTHY C. WINGATE (OTTAWA CANADA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs: Yearbook (2002/2003) (Paperback)

As is usual with this series, it is complete, comprehensive, articulate, opinionated, and very, very useful to collectors of classical music on CDs and DVDs.

It should be in the library of every collector of classical music on the above-stated media.