The Classical Music Book

November 15, 2018
The nineteenth entry in DK's Big Ideas series takes on classical music in a way music-appreciation textbooks never have or probably ever will. In familiar and accessible DK style, it explains key concepts of musical theory and sails through music history from "Early Music of the Middle Ages" through the Renaissance and baroque periods, the classical and romantic eras, and the nationalism, modern, and contemporary movements. Along the way, key composers are featured and more than 90 representative works are analyzed. Each chapter begins with a well-chosen quote attributed to a composer to set the mood, and further quotations by and about composers are scattered throughout. Color plates and period photographs enhance the presentation, and shaded boxes of text include key concepts and works and composer biographies. A diverse selection of important composers not mentioned in the text is included in an eight-page directory, and a four-page glossary provides concise definitions of musical terms. This exuberant and colorful guide will delight classical-music fans and entice new listeners to join their ranks.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)