Swafford, Jan

Examines the history of Western music from the middle ages and Gregorian chant through modern composers like Aaron Copeland. Chronicles the lives and work of famous composers from each time period--Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modernism--and discusses surprising revelations about the music itself along with anecdotes about certain important pieces.

An esteemed music historian provides a rich, detailed overview of the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, traveling from Enlightenment-era Bonn to the musical capital of Europe, Vienna, to vividly describe the composer's career, ill health and romantic rejections.

Biography of ninteenth-century German composer Johannes Brahms, discussing his poverty-stricken childhood, his early talent, and his acclaimed work, and providing details about his reportedly blustery, witty personality.

Guide to understanding classical music with a history of music, and essays on nearly one hundred composers.