Description
Book SynopsisThe classical record business gained a new lease on life in the 1980s when period instrument performances of baroque and classical music began to assume a place on the stage. This return to the past found its complement in the musical ascension of the American minimalists, in particular the music of Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and John Adams, and smaller specialty labels that focused on experimental composers like John Cage. During this period of changeof classical music's transition of looking both forward and backRob Haskins served as a reviewer for The American Record Guide, tracing these evolutions while also attending to works emerging from within the mainstream of classical music performance and composition. Classical Listening: Two Decades of Reviews of Reviews from The American Record Guide collects the several hundred reviews produced since Rob Haskins's start in the mid-1990s. A performer and musicologist, Haskins writes delightful, cogent reviews that unapologetically refle
Trade ReviewHaskins is an engaging writer. The reviews are reflective of his personal musical experience and interests as they trace the reception of classical music recordings over the past two decades. Many of his reviews have the feel of a diary, revealing Haskins’ approach to historical performance practice and the aesthetics of contemporary music while providing a critique of the merits of each performance. . . .[T]his book is valuable as an overview of twenty years of publication and public reception of recordings in these categories. . . .Researchers...may find this book a useful addition to their personal libraries. * ARSC Journal *
This collection of Rob Haskins's CD reviews from the American Record Guide was difficult to get through. These reviews, which are informative, written with amiable energy, and clearly reveal their underlying musical values, had me putting the book down after about every two or three reviews and heading to my computer to hear a sample of what he had just praised ... In the essential role of critic as advocate, Haskins makes everything that matters to him interesting and attractive to the reader.... Haskins is experienced and informed.... One of his academic specialties is 20th Century American music.... These reviews are fascinating to read just from the standpoint of his experience, which adds a foundation of specific and meaningful details to the standard evaluation of expressive and performing choices.... Technical skill, historical understanding, and an imagination true to the nature of the music makes for excitement and satisfaction. * American Record Guide *
A distinct voice—generous, personal, both open-minded and highly specific. It is a pleasure not knowing what Rob Haskins will say next, to follow his elegant thought processes wherever they may lead. -- Tim Page, University of Southern California
Filled with many provocative insights and charming anecdotes, Rob Haskins' book of collected reviews, Classical Listening was a total joy to read. Haskins writes very intelligently, informing the reader of historical context while showing a deep understanding of both musical and performance issues. -- Brad Lubman, Eastman School of Music; founding co-artistic director and music director of Ensemble Signal
An incredibly thorough volume that manages to be both scholarly in detail and engaging as a fascinating read for any music lover—indispensable and hard to put down. -- Zsolt Bognár, concert pianist and host, Living the Classical Life
Table of ContentsPreface Part 1: J. S. Bach and Other Early Music Chapter 1: Bach Chapter 2: Other Early Music Part 2: John Cage and Other New Music Chapter 3: Cage Chapter 4: Minimalists Chapter 5: Other New Music Index
