- Paperback: 306 pages
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) (22 Nov 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0618619453
- ISBN-13: 978-0618619450
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.3 x 1.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,954,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Let's start off by saying that this isn't a bad book. For those who do wish to break into the mysterious language of classical music, by all means, give it a read. However, being a music student of 15 years, I bought this book with the expectation that it would explain many more terms, much more thoroughly. The biggest disappointment, I found, was that there was not even a section dedicated to the composers themselves who are the ones responsible for classical music. Even possibly a short page on a few of the great names would have added so much to this book. If you're looking for a guide, I'd much rather recommed Classical Music for Dummies!! Composers, terms, pieces, humour...and pictures too!!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
... but were afraid to ask. Employing the same straightforward language and sophsticated humor that characterize his commentaries on NPR's "Performance Today," Miles Hoffman opens a window on understanding many of the concepts (both popular and obscure) that musicians take for granted. He also translates much of the jargon (English, Italian, French, whatever) that can make classical music less accessible.
I can't think of any other reference work I've read (or even wanted to read) cover-to-cover. Buy this book and save a couple of years worth of music school (not to mention probably laughing a whole lot more)!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
15 reviews
31 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Musical Training Wheels
5 July 2001
Format:Paperback
This book is just what the doctor ordered for musical neophytes like myself who are looking for an accessible but authoritative crash course in basic musical terminology. If the difference between pizzicato and pianissimo continues to elude you, then read on. Two aspects of this book are particularly appealing. The first is Libbey's style, which is free-flowing and chatty, conveying often difficult ideas with impressive clarity (the articles on counterpoint and fugue are cases in point). Secondly, I was impressed by his essay-style approach to his various musical subjects; unlike a musical dictionary, which would be content to stop at mere definition, Libbey's book provides background, explanations, examples and opinions that do much to round out the material in the reader's mind. An impressive work indeed!
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
This book is compulsively readable, witty, and learned.
13 Jun 1999
Format:Paperback
If you like music, you'll love this book! Imagine that a wise and talkative friend, who clearly loves music himself and has a sparkling sense of humor, has undertaken to patiently and clearly explain to you what musical terms mean and why they're important. The Classical Music Companion has the tone that that friendly, well-informed voice would take. This is a compulsively readable, well-organized, beautifully laid out work that can be approached on many levels - it's suitable for "laypeople" or musicians - and that never talks down to its audience. I read this book with great enjoyment and I recommend it wholeheartedly. It's a mandatory addition for the library of anyone who cares about music and wants to know more about its mysteries.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
An excellent reference tool and well written.
17 Jun 1999
Format:Paperback
Miles Hoffman's book is just as inventive and clever as his section "Coming to Terms" on NPR's Performance Today. His defintions are packed with information and witty commentary, necessitating its use for any classical music lover. For those in the business, or just those wanting to know more, Hoffman's guide is a must have because no other reference tool is as accessible or as clearly written. Suddenly, the lexicon of classical music is no longer out of reach, but instead understandable and affordable in this wonderful guide to terms.
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