Full Description
Patrick Kavanaugh shows that great music was written to be enjoyed, not merely admired. In Music of the Great Composers, he displays his gift for making the classics easy to understand and a delight to listen to. This practical book lets you select a listening program that's based on your needs and interests. Choose from a variety of approaches to pick the one that fits you best. From chorales to concertos to solo repertoire, Music of the Great Composers lets you customize your listening to broaden your understanding and love of music. You'll find: - Guidance for building a personal listening library - Fascinating insights into instruments, history, composers, compositions, musical terms--even simple music theory for the layperson - A lively guide to hundreds of masterworks--for hours of reading and listening enjoyment. Kavanaugh removes the intimidations from "highbrow" music, taking it out of its ivory tower so everyone can enjoy it. Written in a refreshing, popular style, Music of the Great Composers will bring an exciting new depth to your enjoyment of the classics.
Contents
Contents
Introduction
1. Getting the Big Picture
Intermezzo:
Musical Titles, or "What's an Opus?"
2. Orchestra Music
Intermezzo:
The Conductor
Instruments of the Orchestra
3. Choral Music
Intermezzo:
The Mass
4. The Concerto
Intermezzo:
Tempo Indications
Keys and Tonality
5. Opera
Intermezzo:
Vocal Types
6. Chamber Music
Intermezzo:
The Components of Musical Sound
7. Song
Intermezzo:
The Elements of Music Composition
8. Solo Literature
Intermezzo:
Sonata Form
9. Where Do We Go from Here?
Intermezzo:
Concert Etiquette
Appendix 1: A Lifetime of Listening: Your First Thousand Pieces
Appendix 2: The Major Composers
Glossary
For Further Reading
