by Jan Swafford
First published 2017
Classical music intimidates many people who think it belongs only in schools or formal concert halls. Music scholar and composer Jan Swafford dismantles this misconception by showing how classical music speaks to everyone. He takes readers on a journey through Western musical history, starting with Gregorian chant and moving through centuries of composition to reach contemporary artists like Philip Glass. Along the way, Swafford introduces the most significant composers and their major works, including Handel's Messiah and Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. He explains how musical structures work and reveals the logic behind great compositions. Swafford writes as both an expert guide and an enthusiastic advocate, making complex musical concepts clear to newcomers while maintaining the depth that music lovers crave. The book serves anyone curious about classical music but unsure where to begin their exploration.
Genres: 20th-century, non-fiction, music, 21st-century, classical-music, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enthusiastic-advocate, expert-guide
Period: Gregorian Chant, Western Musical History
336 pages · Kindle Edition · Basic Books