music appreciation

"Nearly all of us have the capacity to enjoy classical music but too often we are put off by not knowing where to look, or what we are actually looking for. We feel the need of a guide to help navigate such vast and varied artistic terrain. With this delightful book, historian Tim Bouverie provides just this. Drawing on his lifelong passion for music, he has created a compilation of 100 classical masterpieces sure to move and be enjoyed by almost anyone. He provides a short introduction to each piece--variously anecdotal, personal, historical and quirky--and a recommended recording to try. Highly accessible and entertaining, Perfect Pitch is filled with engrossing stories and insights that bring to life 300 years of the world's greatest music"--Provided by publisher.

Scientist and musician John Powell explores decades of psychological and sociological studies in order to understand why music affects us so profoundly.

"In 'Declassified,' Warsaw-Fan Rauch . . . offers a backstage tour of the [classical music] industry and equips you for every listening scenario, covering: the 7 main compositional periods (even the soul-crushingly depressing Medieval period), a breakdown of the instruments and their associated personality types (apologies to violists and conductors), what it's like to be a musician at the highest level (it's hard), how to steal a Stradivarius (and make no money in the process), and when to clap during a live performance (also: when not to)"--Provided by publisher.

Discusses the American musical and shows how musicals happen, what makes them work, how they captivate audiences, and how one landmark show leads to the next.

"A legendary record producer-turned-brain scientist explains why you fall in love with music. This Is What It Sounds Like is a journey into the science and soul of music that reveals the secrets of why your favorite songs move you. But it's also a story of a musical trailblazer who began as a humble audio tech in Los Angeles to became Prince's chief engineer for Purple Rain, and then create other No. 1 hits (including Barenaked Ladies' "One Week") as one of the most successful female record producers of all time"--Provided by publisher.

"Experience ten different types of music--classical, Latin, jazz, country, heavy metal, hip-hop, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, electronica, pop, and a surprise finale"--Provided by publisher.

Do you know a capella from zarzuela? Can you distinguish between a serenade and a symphony? If you only have 30 seconds, there is time to understand the creative journey taken by classical music from the Middle Ages to the modern era. This book explores the pivotal composers, movements and innovations from classical music's long and fascinating history.

"Discover how music is made, the many different forms it takes, and the ... artists that make it"--Back cover.

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.

Explores the history of Western classical music and the lives of nearly three hundred composers throughout the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and modern music eras.