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Product Description
Review
"This book is the perfect way to go from dummy to expert in classical music!" —André Watts, Pianist
"Classical Music For Dummies should be the first book for anyone ages 5–105. Anyone from layperson to first–year conservatory music student should crack open this wonderfully diverse and enriching look into the world of classical music. I wish this book had been part of my beginning curriculum." —Tiny Kniffen, Principal Tubist, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
" Classical Music For Dummies engages the reader with its flawless pacing, humor, and wit. It is a ′classic′ in its own right" —Barry Bowlus, classical music enthusiast
Product Description
The more you know about classical music, the more you love it. Now, thanks to Classical Music For Dummies, you can achieve a whole new level of insight into both the composers and the compositions that have made classical music one of the great accomplishments of humankind.
Classical Music For Dummies doesn′t assume that you have a degree in musicology –– or even that you took a course in music appreciation. Rather, the multimedially gifted David Pogue and renowned conductor Scott Speck explain classical music in terms you can understand, and they describe musical elements so that you can hear them for yourself.
A reference you can dip into at any point, Classical Music For Dummies covers such topics as
- The various forms that classical music takes –– from symphonies to string quartets
- What goes on behind the scenes and on stage to fill a concert hall with great classical music
- How to recognize, by sight and by sound, the many instruments that make up an orchestra
- The nuts and bolts of classical music –– from rhythm to harmonic progression
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
The world of classical music is a place where idealism reigns, where good conquers evil and love conquers all, where you always get a second chance, where everything comes out right in the end, and where you can have your cake and eat it, too. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
The world of classical music is a place where idealism reigns, where good conquers evil and love conquers all, where you always get a second chance, where everything comes out right in the end, and where you can have your cake and eat it, too. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I got this book a few years ago, as I knew that I liked some kinds of classical music, but otherwise I didn't have the faintest idea! It helped me understand which musical styles/composers I liked the most (thanks to the CD included), and motivated me to explore classical music further. It is written in an amusing and accessible manner that is perfect for absolute beginners. I do not complain about the lack of depth, as it is meant to be an introductory book. Very enjoyable!
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Even if you know something about classical music (eg the difference between classical and baroque), this book can be incredibly helpful. The CD contains some very good examples of genres, and the highly detailed exposition in the book of what's going on with each piece (including in some cases a second-by-second explanation) helps understand how a particular effect is achieved, or what was aimed at - it's almost like someone sitting down with the score and talking you through it.
Stylistically, the chummy, slightly 'wacky' tone can be offputting in the earlier chapters, but it's obvious that the authors really do know (and love) their stuff. If you can get past that, the historical, explanatory, and musical sections really are worthwhile.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was my first introduction to classical music. Although it doesn't assume any prior knowledge it still gives plenty of technical details. I'm inspired to continue discovering more about the classical music world.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Fantastic Introduction to Classical Music
In short Classical Music For Dummies is perfect for anyone with limited knowledge of Classical Music and wants to learn more about this artform. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Andrew Whitby
Fabulous book
I bought this book many years ago in Borders, vastly discounted, and it sat on my shelf for a long time. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Sheba
Great introduction to an often confusing subject
Published in 1997, with a few updates since which include a new cover photo and a website launch (dummies. Read more
Published on 31 May 2008 by Mart Music
Lose the jokes
Very good but loses a star for silly jokes which are unecessary and really annoying. Should be edited and republished without the jokes. CD is lovely
Published on 14 Aug 2007 by maestro
An excellent and entertaining introduction
I've been passionate about classical music for about two and a half years now, but was still interested to learn more about things such as (for instance) the structure of a typical... Read more
Published on 8 Aug 2007 by Greedo
Great! apart from one small thing...
Really funny and informative- very accessible to those who don't know that much about classical music and great at giving a broad overview of everything. Read more
Published on 21 Jan 2007 by A. Stout
Brilliantly amusing and informative!
I held my breath waiting for this book, but having seen a colleague's copy of Philosophy for Dummies, I thought I'd give this a go. Read more
Published on 11 April 2006 by J. Hutchings
a good primer
was looking for a book with which to understand classical music, and this fits the bill.
unfortunatley the book is american and therefore lacks the depths that some europian... Read more
unfortunatley the book is american and therefore lacks the depths that some europian... Read more
Published on 1 Sep 2002 by Andrew Blackmer
Good basic advice
Brought this to help me understand classical music better. Well laid out, and easy to read. The CD that comes with it is good to.
Published on 29 Sep 1999
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