Music for the People: The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Classical Music [Hardcover]

Recently a guest on "Loose Ends" when he spoke in his usual happy, modest and funny way; Gareth Malone, the winning singer, `animateur', choirmaster, teacher, presenter; a man of many mad hairstyles, is a family favourite. His programmes are top viewing and we hope for plenty more. There were moments in his tv series that were classics of their own. Seeing him demonstrate a tiger clawing, gesticulating with his fingers and making hilarious faces, when conducting a choir for 'Tiger' was unforgettable. So this, his first book, jumped temptingly towards me. Now I intend to go a step further and treat myself to the cd with embedded tracks - Music for the People: The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Classical Music (Unabridged CD) I think this will add to and enrich the mini lessons I am effortlessly absorbing from Gareth's book.

'Music for the People' is an education by stealth; an inspiration and as an added extra, a chance to get to know this talented chap better, through a subject he is rapidly making his very own crusade. He talks about his evolution as a musician, the way he has come to love his recommendations; only a little personal info. He doesn't blow his own trumpet although he is quite entitled to do so; this is his unpretentious manner. There are no photos (shame!) beyond the rather crazy one on the front; just a straightforward chatty conversation between himself and reader. Gareth teaches and encourages in his recognisably individual voice. If you already know of him you can 'hear him speaking' throughout. A modern text book/handbook/resource that I hope will also be used in schools and wherever there are people who are unsure as to whether classical music could be really for them.

It is dense with authentic details, useful explanations and has many pages of helpful links; none of which alienate or discourage. We are eased into this world while being assured that we already know many pieces of classical music without realising it. Gareth lists such music used in films, tv programmes and in advertising. He explains that "developing a 'friendship' with a piece of music...it's a bit like dating". The stages he amusingly describes are: Meeting the piece for the first time, Getting to know you, Knowing the score, Becoming obsessive and Seeing it live. I found that analogy very helpful. It felt as if a light was being put on in a darkened room.

So this is not necessarily a straight through romp of a read. It is more of a valuable help meet, a mentor and an enabler. It can live close by and be taken along on trips to the library or referred to when downloading or purchasing. "Musical starting points' " being a great index of mood music, well, music for such moods as 'romance, moving, sad and poignant, uplifting stirring and vital, quietly encouraging and energising'. And when haven't we all needed such sound tracks to our lives...

So I would 'classify this classy book about classical music', as a valuable reference work written by a warm, understanding and a hugely knowledgeable friend. The vocabulary and explanations are eloquent but accessible; he can predict when something may be off putting or seemingly elitist, and then cheerfully throws open the windows to one and all. De-bunking myths, relating the interesting back stories on composers, fashions and performances, this is all entertaining stuff. He is so un self consciously witty - as when helping out with what you are supposed to say after a concert - "Firstly trust your own opinion: if you thought it sounded like cats screaming then it probably did."

At an early age, good teachers, choirmasters, and family introduced lucky Gareth Malone to the rewarding realm of classical music. He is impressively comfortable and at home representing his passion; always with such boundless, positive, enjoyment and enthusiasm. He aims to nurture the same attitude in anyone prepared to take a little time to explore, get to know and appreciate such music. The reward will be a lifetime of reliable pleasure and happy recognition, becoming deeper and more meaningful as the years go by. This is a book that will keep on giving - it should be truly well used.

p.s. Since writing this last summer we have had the tip top series of The Choir, especially for military wives. Undoubtedly the best ever use of licence payers money; the last programme when the wives performed at the Service of Remembrance had the nation reaching for a hanky, and learning the lesson of what it is truly like to be left at home for 28 weeks while your man is away at war. My mother, at 91, told me last night that this the final programme was the best television she had ever seen in her long life. Also he has been seen organising the Children in Need spectacular link up of school children choirs singing for that incredible fundraising effort day. Gareth Malone has broken through a barrier in his career, and is surely proved totally worthy of everyone's respect and admiration - offering us the finest example of good teaching we are ever likely to see.

Having been a huge fan of the Choir and of Gareth It is a real beginners guide to classical music as it tells you what you need to know about classical music like what the conductor does what an orchestra is and other information regarding classical music in a fun interactive way. The audio version gives you snippets of the piece too! Thankyou Gareth it has been the best book I have read in a mile

I was already a Gareth Malone-ite after seeing "The Choir" on BBC America here in the US. I also began playing the piano in church when I was 11-years-old (uh, that's 40 years - yikes!), so I wondered if Gareth's book might be a bit too basic. NOT, by ANY means, that I know it all, but I have been active in music ministry longer than Gareth has been alive. But it was the title that made me wonder whether the subject might have been aimed at a very beginner's level. I needn't have worried. While it is certainly written for someone new to classical music to easily understand, it is also full of wonderful insights and information for those of us with some experience, too. In fact, I keep a yellow highlighter next to the book so that I can go back later to reference things I had no idea about. It is also easy and fun to read. So thank you and bravo, Gareth - well done!