Classical Music: The 50 Greatest Composers and Their 1000 Greatest Works

Classical Music: The 50 Greatest Composers and Their 1000 Greatest Works by Goulding, Phil G.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780449903568.

MAKE A SOUND INVESTMENT IN CLASSICAL MUSIC Who are the ten most important classical composers? Who in the world was Palestrina? Why did Stravinskys "Rite of Spring" cause a riot? Which five of each important composers works should you buy? What is a concerto and how does it differ from a sonata? Maybe you dont know the answers to these questions; author Phil Goulding certainly didnt. When Goulding first tried to learn about classical music, he found himself buried in an avalanche of technical terms and complicated jargon--so he decided to write the book he couldnt find. The result is a complete classical music education in one volume. Comprehensive, discriminating, and delightfully irreverent, Classical Music provides such essential information as: * Rankings of the top 50 composers (Bach is #1. Borodin is #50) * A detailed and anecdotal look at each composers life and work * The five primary works of each composer and specific recommended CDs for each. * Further great works of each composer--if you really like him * Concise explanations of musical terminology, forms, and periods * A guide to the parts and history of the symphony orchestra "This book uses every conceivable gimmick to immerse readers in the richness of classical music: lists, rankings, sidebars devoted to lively anecdotes, and catchy leads." --The Washington Post "One terrific music appreciation book...The information is surprisingly detailed but concisely presented. Gouldings writing style is breezy yet mature....[He] has raised music appreciation from a racket to a service." --The Arizona Daily Star From the Trade Paperback edition.