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The Sonata In The Baroque Era

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This is the first volume of three that seemed to constitute a lifelong monomania in its author. Certainly, they consitute an authoritative monument to the survey of the kinds of compositions called sonatas from the mid-sixteenth century to our own day. However, there are so many kinds of pieces that fall under that word that it can fairly be wondered what groups them together more than a simple noun.

Since the word seems to have arisen in the 1550s and 1560s, it is simple to begin there. However, where the word comes from and what it actually means are not as clear-cut. It seems to signify an instrumental composition and nothing more. That is, a "sound piece" rather than something for voices or voices and instruments. Yes, the word can be seen with vocal pieces, but they are more the exception that proves the rule.

Newman takes us through the whole range of composers working in this topic and it is a list that includes names long forgotten to the world of living music. It is not that it isn't worth delving into some of these composers, but the hard part is knowing which ones are worthwhile. History has shut the book on most of them for good reason, but there may have been mistakes and something delicious is waiting on the shelf to be discovered.

So, look through this book has you wish. I use it more as a reference book than something to read front to back.