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 Plus, Classical Music For Dummies comes complete with a CD containing over 60 minutes of masterpieces compiled especially for the book. The CD also includes a demo version of the Angel/EMI Classics For Dummies TM multimedia interface to try out on your Windows–based PC or Macintosh computer.
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"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
From the Back Cover
Features tips on how to start a classical music collection Discover how much fun classical music can be! Are you baffled by Bach? Bewildered by Beethoven? Befuddled by Brahms? Relax! This friendly, funny, easy–to–understand guide gives you the score on composers, instruments, orchestras, concerts, recordings, and more – and shows you just how enjoyable and rewarding classical music can be. More than 60 minutes of music, including excerpts from Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier • Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 • Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 • Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 • Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and more from recordings by Ian Hobson, pianist and conductor, Sinfonia da Camera and Sinfonia Varsovia Plus MP3 versions of the excerpts you can play on your PC, Mac, or portable player Discover how to: Distinguish the different styles of classical music Attend a live concert in style Know the instruments in an orchestra Understand rhythm, intervals, and other fundamentals Build a fabulous classical music library
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
32 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Emily Mather
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!
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Octavia
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
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.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Published in 1997, with a few updates since which include a new cover photo and a website launch (dummies.com) this 358 page book follows the many other titles in the `For Dummies' range in that it makes learning an entertaining experience.
Classical music can be a turn off for many, with confusing terms, strange descriptions and an often reluctance to make itself accessible to the casual visitor to its world, so a book like this is a welcome one to break down those barriers which prevent an understanding of it.
The underlying tactic of authors David Pogue and Scott Speck is to lighten up the subject with funny quips and interesting facts which continually embellish the factual information. For me, this approach makes for easy reading which informs without becoming a lecturing textbook. Some may find the many comical references to frequent, but on the whole they are genuinely funny, and there are after all many, many other books on the subject which are devoid of humour.
The book's 17 chapters include titles such as, `What Is Classical Music', `The Entire History of Music in 80 pages', `How to Spot a Sonata' (an explanation of terms like symphony, concerto and sonata), A Field Guide to the Orchestra (explaining the instruments), `The dreaded Music Theory Chapter' (music theory in easy terms) and `Starting a Classical Music Collection' (how and where best to buy the recordings).
The only slight disappointment, partly forgivable maybe because the authors are American, is the lack of even a mention of two of England's finest composers Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams, but it's no reason not to enjoy this highly entertaining, well written book (and it does come with a free CD too).
Classical music can be a turn off for many, with confusing terms, strange descriptions and an often reluctance to make itself accessible to the casual visitor to its world, so a book like this is a welcome one to break down those barriers which prevent an understanding of it.
The underlying tactic of authors David Pogue and Scott Speck is to lighten up the subject with funny quips and interesting facts which continually embellish the factual information. For me, this approach makes for easy reading which informs without becoming a lecturing textbook. Some may find the many comical references to frequent, but on the whole they are genuinely funny, and there are after all many, many other books on the subject which are devoid of humour.
The book's 17 chapters include titles such as, `What Is Classical Music', `The Entire History of Music in 80 pages', `How to Spot a Sonata' (an explanation of terms like symphony, concerto and sonata), A Field Guide to the Orchestra (explaining the instruments), `The dreaded Music Theory Chapter' (music theory in easy terms) and `Starting a Classical Music Collection' (how and where best to buy the recordings).
The only slight disappointment, partly forgivable maybe because the authors are American, is the lack of even a mention of two of England's finest composers Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams, but it's no reason not to enjoy this highly entertaining, well written book (and it does come with a free CD too).
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Sheba
Format:Paperback
I bought this book many years ago in Borders, vastly discounted, and it sat on my shelf for a long time.
Recently I started listening to Classic FM radio and I used this book as a guide and reference. I would recommend doing both, listening to Classic FM and referencing the book together, while lying in bed in the morning or before going to sleep.
They have really done a good job making classical music more accessible and enjoyable. I feel that my knowledge has really increased. I only knew really well known pieces before but may not have been able to identify them by name.
The drawbacks - well it would have been better if they had adapted it for a European/ British market, just in terms of references. Also my version is 1997 I think. I would love to see a revised edition. I hope the publishers take note of this - after all how much effort is it to update a book!
Recently I started listening to Classic FM radio and I used this book as a guide and reference. I would recommend doing both, listening to Classic FM and referencing the book together, while lying in bed in the morning or before going to sleep.
They have really done a good job making classical music more accessible and enjoyable. I feel that my knowledge has really increased. I only knew really well known pieces before but may not have been able to identify them by name.
The drawbacks - well it would have been better if they had adapted it for a European/ British market, just in terms of references. Also my version is 1997 I think. I would love to see a revised edition. I hope the publishers take note of this - after all how much effort is it to update a book!
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By J. Hutchings
Format:Paperback
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.
Teaching should always have an element of humour, and this book does just that - it can at any given time be both amusing and informative. An absolute must for teachers, students and anyone who has even the remotest interest in music.
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
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.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Greedo
Format:Paperback
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 symphony (as I was not trained in music myself). This book answered all of my questions, and many more.
Whatever your level of understanding (and including if you are a complete newcomer to the subject), I would say that this is the book for you. It is clearly written, does not assume any prior knowledge, and yet also has plenty of new information for someone such as myself.
Additionally, like many such books, it is written with the aim of being funny and entertaining. The revelation in this case is that the authors actually succeeded in making me laugh on a number of occasions...something that is quite rare with this sort of style I find.
I would advise newcomers to classical music to read this book, and also "The Lives of the Great Composers" by Harold C. Schoenberg (for a more in depth look at particular composers) and "The Rough Guide to Classical Music" by Joe Staines (for reference and advise on which recordings to buy). With these three books under your belt, you'll be ready to fly!
Whatever your level of understanding (and including if you are a complete newcomer to the subject), I would say that this is the book for you. It is clearly written, does not assume any prior knowledge, and yet also has plenty of new information for someone such as myself.
Additionally, like many such books, it is written with the aim of being funny and entertaining. The revelation in this case is that the authors actually succeeded in making me laugh on a number of occasions...something that is quite rare with this sort of style I find.
I would advise newcomers to classical music to read this book, and also "The Lives of the Great Composers" by Harold C. Schoenberg (for a more in depth look at particular composers) and "The Rough Guide to Classical Music" by Joe Staines (for reference and advise on which recordings to buy). With these three books under your belt, you'll be ready to fly!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous introduction to the history of classical music
I really enjoyed reading this, and listening to the accompanying CD. Mozart's Piano concerto No 22 has become a favourite! Read more
Published 6 months ago by Charles Vivian
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 14 months ago by Brawny Withed
4.0 out of 5 stars
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
4.0 out of 5 stars
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
4.0 out of 5 stars
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
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