Description
Book SynopsisPatrick Kavanaugh shows that great music was written to be enjoyed, not merely admired. In Music of the Great Composers, he displays his gift for making the classics easy to understand and a delight to listen to. This practical book lets you select a listening program that''s based on your needs and interests. Choose from a variety of approaches to pick the one that fits you best. From chorales to concertos to solo repertoire, Music of the Great Composers lets you customize your listening to broaden your understanding and love of music. You''ll find: - Guidance for building a personal listening library - Fascinating insights into instruments, history, composers, compositions, musical terms--even simple music theory for the layperson - A lively guide to hundreds of masterworks--for hours of reading and listening enjoyment. Kavanaugh removes the intimidations from highbrow music, taking it out of its ivory tower so everyone can enjoy it. Written in a refreshing, popular style, Music of t
Table of ContentsContents Introduction 1. Getting the Big Picture Intermezzo: Musical Titles, or “What’s an Opus?” 2. Orchestra Music Intermezzo: The Conductor Instruments of the Orchestra 3. Choral Music Intermezzo: The Mass 4. The Concerto Intermezzo: Tempo Indications Keys and Tonality 5. Opera Intermezzo: Vocal Types 6. Chamber Music Intermezzo: The Components of Musical Sound 7. Song Intermezzo: The Elements of Music Composition 8. Solo Literature Intermezzo: Sonata Form 9. Where Do We Go from Here? Intermezzo: Concert Etiquette Appendix 1: A Lifetime of Listening: Your First Thousand Pieces Appendix 2: The Major Composers Glossary For Further Reading