Book Description
* The major composers from Bach and Bartok to Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky
* Significant performers from Maurice Andre and Leornard Bernstein to Georg Solti and Yo Yo Ma
* The landmark works from Appalachian Spring to Don Juan
* A concise history of classical music
* A deconstruction of the art form
* The language of classical music
* Valuable resources for the Curious Listener
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing.......2006-03-18
To say I was disappointed in this "guide" is an understatement. I expected so much more from NPR. I live in New Orleans and lost a lot of my books in the flood following Katrina, so I needed a new classical music reference. This one is not at all useful to me.
Not recommended because of competing products.......2004-08-02
This book reminds me of the old saying that "a camel is a horse built by a committee." This text isn't quite right for either beginners or intermediate lovers of classical music. It's not user-friendly or clever enough for beginners, and it's too thin and too passionless for intermediates. It's perfectly okay, but falls well short of the competition.
There are lots of really good classical-music guides on the market, however. Some fun, not-too-taxing ones are Marcus Weeks' "Music: A Crash Course" and Phil G. Golding's "Classical Music." Each of these is fun and fresh.
If you want something more substantive and brainy that will allow you to show off at your next embassy cocktail party, try Fred Plotkin's "Classical Music 101" or Jan Swafford's "The Vintage Guide to Classical Music." Plotkin's is better, but a bit stiff, and Swafford's has many more illustrations.
The very best is, believe it or not, is David Pogue's and Scott Speck's "Classical Music for Dummies." It comes with a good audio CD of sample classical tracks, and the two authors are both professional musicians and very bright people. It's a real and helpful treat.
Guide for the curious listener.......2003-02-28
I found this book to be a pleasent introduction to a greater understanding of the genre of classical music. It is helpful, but not necessary, to have some understanding of music theory. Knowing what such things as polyphony and monophony are about all that you need to know. The introduction nicley summarizes the book's theme. This is a much better and cheaper way to get introduced to classical music then through such other books as "Classical Music for Dummies," or the "Idiot's Guide to Classical Music." The only thing I found somewhat questionable about this book was the choice of cd's that have been selected for one to build a collection with; otherwise, this book is a valuble resource for liteners be they curious or even casual. For those serious about classical music this book will seem too elemental for their tastes.
NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Classical Music.......2002-12-16
I found this to be a very helpful, friendly over-all guide to classical music. It contains brief descriptions of major works, capsule bios of well-known composers, and lots of helpful information presented in an easy to understand, down to earth manner. As a novice to this type of music, I found the vast world of Classical repertoire a bit intimidating, but Mr. Smith is not the least bit pretentious, and I found his writings warm and welcoming. I'm sure that even seasoned classical music fans will find this book a handy reference.
Book Description
Frederic Chopin died a famous man with his place in the musical pantheon secure. Yet the works that were once most popular tended to be his lightest and least challenging, leading many listeners and critics to view him as a miniaturist and composer for the salon. The bold pieces now revered as his masterpieces-the epic and tragic structures of the ballades, scherzos, polonaises, and sonatas, and the compact but daring preludes and mazurkas-were rarely played and poorly understood. In fact, a larger proportion of Chopin's pieces are now in the active repertory than that of any composer. Chopin - A Listener's Guide to the Master of the Piano takes a detailed tour through the life and oeuvre of the sovereign master of the keyboard. The composer's metabolic adaptation of the melodic structures of Italian opera and the folk music of his native Poland for the resources of the piano are examined in detail, as are the originality and boldness he displayed throughout his tragically short, astonishing career. The book is accompanied by a CD containing 15 complete compositions (and one full movement from his Piano Sonata No. 2) performed by pianist Idil Biret, from her complete survey of the composer's music on the Naxos label.
Customer Reviews:
A most accessible way of understanding Chopin's music........2007-02-06
Pair a full-length classical cd from the classical music publisher Naxos with a book surveying Chopin's biography and influences and you have the perfect introduction to Chopin - and a pick recommended not just for public library holdings, but for schools seeking to introduce students to Chopin. Descriptions of his works, styles, and diversity come from a New York-based critical music writer whose addition to the 'Unlocking the Masters' series provides newcomers with a most accessible way of understanding Chopin's music.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
A marvelous series from Amadeus Press.......2007-01-15
Amadeus Press has filled a underserved niche in the classical music literature with these marvelous little guides to the great composers and their greatest compositions. They fill the gap between the highly detailed, scholarly volumes of the lives of the great composers ... and the too-superficial tiny guides that offer too little program notes on the music or the composer. It gives you a compelling "play-by-play" description of each composition without venturing into musicology that would lose a beginner. The entire series is extremely well written and make a great guides to new discoveries. It should appeal to beginners as well as classical veterans alike. This Chopin volume is proving to be a valuable guide as I explore in depth Chopin's music and the great performances on disc.
Every major category is covered in satisfying depth to give you solid understanding of what is behind each work - and what in particular is historically and musically significant in them. ALl major works are covered: the lilting Waltzes .. the pensive and sometimes turbulent Nocturnes ... the weighty Sonatas, Scherzos and Ballades ... the delicate miniatures ... the amazing early piano concertos ... the showpieces, Etudes, Preludes and even the few chamber pieces of Chopin are explored to reveal many curious historic details.
This volume on Chopin makes for compelling reading and is one of the only modern volumes of program notes on the piano music of Chopin I could find. The number of works covered is large and satisfying with enough detail to give you a deep appreciation of the significance, musical structures and impact of each work. In a way, it reads much like program notes in a CD, but covering the entire range of Chopin's life and works. Other reviews below outline the range covered. The volume, supplemented by classic volume like Schonberg's "Lives of the Great Composers" should give a high quality education to the music of Chopin. This book includes a Naxos CD containing performances by Idl Bieret which gives a quality intro to Chopin, but some listeners will surely want to explore the great Chopin performances of pianists like Rubinstein, Horowitz, Kissin, Perahia, Argerich and many others. Bottom line: these "Unlocking the Masters Series" are a great investment to deepening one's appreciation that will not go out of style any time soon. 5 stars.
A Small but Exquisite Book with CD of the Music Discussed.......2006-12-07
These small books from Amadeus concentrate on one composer, one of the masters. In these books a brief biography (25 or so pages) set the tone for a discussion of the man's music. In the case of Chopin, this can be summed up as a case of being considered a musical genius at a very early age, followed by increasing fame as a composer even as he was spending years dying from tuberculosis.
In the sections on the music, an expert author describes what the best consensus of our time is saying about the works. In the case of Chopin these are broken down into the types of works: Etudes and Preludes, Music for Piano and orchestra, The Waltzes, The Nocturnes, The Sonatas, Patriotism and Tragedy: The Polonaises, Individual works, The Impromptus and Scherzos, The Mazurkas, and The Ballades.
A CD included with the book contains fifteen complete compositions of Chopin's works. Having the CD with the book means that the author can refer to the music in his writing knowing that you will have exactly the music he is discussing. This is a great concept that adds imeasurably to the book.
great for students.......2006-10-31
This is a GREAT book for students studying Chopin! As a recent student myself, I wish I would have had this book for general information on Chopin, his life, and his works. The book is laid out in a simple format, making easy for anyone to use. It goes into the styles of his songs and what made them unique. It also includes a CD which the book tells you what and how to listen for things that are specifically Chopin. This book is a must-have for any student studying or performing the works of this master of the piano.
Book Description
Composer and author Daniel Felsenfeld takes the reader on a tour of some of the "Little Russian's" most beloved works, including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, 1812 Overture, Romeo and Juliet, Symphonies Nos. 4 and 6, the Serenade for Strings, and his Violin Concerto. The book is a series of blow-by-blow listening sections matched to the music on two accompanying CDs, guiding the reader through these magical compositions, illuminating their edges and fine points.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect for high school-level music libraries or any general lending collection handling cds and text alike........2007-04-07
Tchaikovsky was a composer of lovely melodies rooted in his personal angst: TCHAIKOVSKY: A LISTENER'S GUIDE blends prose to music by offering two accompanying cds from classical music cd publisher Naxos to accompany author Daniel Felsenfeld's exploration of his most notable works. The pairing of text from a music writer and composer with the master pieces of an artist makes for a particularly involving production perfect for newcomers to Tchaikovsky's works. Perfect for high school-level music libraries or any general lending collection handling cds and text alike.
What an Expert Sees/Hears.......2007-03-28
To listen to great music and to enjoy it is one thing. Yet the professional student of classical music sees/hears/understands so much more than the rest of us.
In this book Daniel Felsenfeld, a prolific composer and music writer has written what he sais agimes to give 'the interested but potentially uninitiated listener' the tools he or she needs to lsiten to Tchaikovsky's music and to become more comfortable with classical music overall. This provides an insite that most of us, particularily those of us living in remote areas, can never see.
I never imagined that you could see so much in this music.
The book comes with two full length CDs.
Amazon.com
It is said that more books have been written about Wagner's life, operas, and theories of drama than about any other artist and his oeuvre. One might ask why a writer would attempt yet another discourse on the Ring and Wagner's mighty labor in producing it. The answer might simply be that the very complexity and variety of existing sources provides an embarrassment of riches to the Wagnerian neophyte, while veteran Wagnerians with a couple of Ring performances under their belts, and a few more in their CD libraries, may want a single volume that contains most of the information one might otherwise have to pursue through half a dozen different references.
Holman's approach to the work is refreshingly straightforward. Neither a professional musician nor a journalist--in real life, he's a banker--he brings insights to this work that have perhaps escaped those who spend their entire lives working with music. While he gives a passing nod to Jungian interpretations of the text, and the many self-indulgent realizations that have been seen on-stage during the post-World War II period, his aim in analysis and explanation is to decipher Wagner's intention. For the neophyte, no method could be better calculated to begin understanding this epic. Both in his discussion of the historical sources that inspired Wagner and in his careful rendering of the motivations of each character appearing in the Ring, Holman is like a restorer of fine antique furniture, stripping off a century's accretion of sometimes ill-chosen varnishes.
The no-nonsense attitude toward interpretation is carried over admirably into the bibliography and discography. Not simply listing books and recordings, Holman makes cogent comments on the strengths and weaknesses of the sources he discusses. Two examples are Holman's apt observation on Robert Gutman's biography of Wagner, in which he points out that, at the end, "Gutman appears to lose his grip"; and in the discography and the excellent discussion of the various Ring recordings, including why the Solti/Decca recording is the benchmark recorded performance. The most novel component of the book is the concordance. More than an index, it painstakingly catalogs each circumstance and context under which over 160 significant characters, objects, or ideas occur in the entire text of the libretto. Most people think of a concordance as a tool for biblical study, but considering the almost religious fervor Wagner inspires in his admirers, perhaps the term is appropriate.
Book Description
This book explores the mythology, story, music, characters and language of Wagner's monumental work. At its heart is a concordance of the keywords in the four librettos, a powerful reference tool. The volume also includes a brief synopsis of each of the four operas, a presentation of the 145 principal musical motives in order of appearance, and a discussion of the characters and their relationships, listing their appearances and the musical motives associated with them.
Customer Reviews:
Opinionated and obsessional.......2003-07-17
This book makes some good points, but the author is quite opinionated (for example, his view is the "correct" view of what a good recording is) so that his advice is misleading. He also does an obsessional counting of words in the TRANSLATION of the Ring, which is not very useful since the original is in German and different translators render Wagner's words differently. I read the book through once and never returned to it, which says something about its usefulness. In contrast, for example, the books by Bryan Magee, I return to again and again for fresh insights into the Ring. Overall, this book is a disappointment and probably not worth buying. It will just take up space on your bookshelf.
Opinionated and obsessional.......2003-07-17
This book makes some good points, but the author is quite opinionated (for example, his view is the "correct" view of what a good recording is) so that his advice is misleading. He also does an obsessional counting of words in the TRANSLATION of the Ring, which is not very useful since the original is in German and different translators render Wagner's words differently. I read the book through once and never returned to it, which says something about its usefulness. In contrast, for example, the books by Bryan Magee, I return to again and again for fresh insights into the Ring. Overall, this book is a disappointment and probably not worth buying. It will just take up space on your bookshelf.
For broadening one's understanding of a timeless classic.......2002-01-06
Wagner's Ring, written and compiled by J.K. Holman, is an exhaustive listener's companion to the Wagnerian cycle of operas, intended to specifically delineate the subtle nuances of the musical plot. From mythological sources of the Ring operas to a full English translation of each character's lines to a close look at how the opera is stage, Wagner's Ring takes the reader through every possible aspect of the opera short of actually listening to it and seeing it performed. An excellent reference for broadening one's understanding of a timeless classic, Wagner's Ring is a strongly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library operatic music history and reference collections.
Above average........2001-05-16
I found this book useful on many accounts when first enjoying the Ring, but I don't think it transcends the basic much in the way that it would appeal to a veteran of the Ring. It contains a scene by scene synopsis of the operas, but this is hardly adequate compared to a libretto. The character analysis, however, is helpful in that it details possible sources for each of the characters. In the end, I'm not sure if I would be as knowledgable in the Ring if I had never read this book, but I find I haven't used it very often as of late, which tells me it is not a very enduring read, though I still listen to the cycle itself regularly and dig up new topics and controversies when I can. Speaking of controversy, a testament to the book's lack of advanced Wagnerite materials is that it contains no essays or analysis of controversial material (such as the age-old controversy around why Siegmund sings the Renunciation of Love motif when he does). One of the best features of this book, however, is the section detailing each recording of the Ring. It contains a very indepth chart, for each recording supplying what each opera times in at, who is singing each part, and a small review for each of them. But then, this isn't entirely revolutionary when we have Amazon.com. In the end, I must confess that this is an excellent gift to give someone who is beginning to delve into the Ring (I graciously received this and the Solti Ring as a gift one Christmas), but not necessary for an advanced Wagnerite.
excellent and readable introduction to the Ring.......2000-12-29
The Ring is such a vast and complext work of art, it is impossible to say everything there is to be said in just one book. Novices to the Ring need a no-nonsense, down-to-earth introduction to help them pull together the various elements and get the most enjoyment of this tetralogy. Mr. Holman does an excellent job of explaining the important myths, motifs, elements without going into heavy jargon that could intimidate readers. He takes one of many many themes -- Woman's Worth -- and shows how Wagner uses music and drama and symbols to express this theme. I especially valued the concordance to the Ring. Mr. Holman's book is well-documented and researched. It has been valuable in my own research on the Ring.
Book Description
* A concise history of jazz * The noteworthy composers and musicians, from Jelly Roll Morton and Thelonious Monk to Miles Davis and Charles Mingus * Major performers from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington * Classic songs and compositions * The most influential recordings of all time * A complete guide to jazz terminology and lingo * valuable resources for the Curious Listener
Plus: The 50 Influential Jazz CDs
Customer Reviews:
Curious organization for an introductory guide.......2005-10-14
This guide to jazz would probably be helpful to someone new to the subject, but might be even better for someone who already has a bit of familiarity with jazz history. I say this because, although the book is not an encyclopedia of jazz, individual chapters are internally organized alphabetically, rather than chronologically. This produces some potentially confusing results for the newcomer. For instance, in the chapter on styles or genres of jazz, it means that Bebop is discussed before New Orleans jazz. Even Dixieland revival is discussed before New Orleans jazz. And they are all discussed before Swing. How lucky for the reader then that, in the chapter on jazz greats, so many early pioneers just happen to have surnames beginning with letters early in the alphabet (Armstrong, Bechet, Beiderbecke...). Imagine the potential confusion if Charlie Parker had been named Charlie Barker! Still, as a long-time jazz fan, I learned something useful in every chapter.
Customer Reviews:
Worth Searching For.......2002-12-26
This is a classic book, not just about "new age" music (and all the negative connotations that embodies) but new music in general from electronic to world to folk to rock. John Schaefer, the host of radio's program of the same name here provides an insight into all forms of new music, though admittedly it is a bit weak in the rock arena. Other than that this out of print book opens up new listening environments for those seeking them. If only it were updated.
Book Description
This indispensable sourcebook for buying and listening to classical music from Baroque to New Age covers 60 composers and 150 recording artists performing today, and buying recommendations for the best recordings.
Customer Reviews:
What a splendid thing when one learns something brand new........2002-08-03
Ever wanted to listen to classical music but didnt know what to listen to or whom first? This is a perfect book for the beginner wanting to know about classical music, or the seasoned listener that wants to fresh his memory of why classical music is such a wonderful experience. It tells of great recordings and why they are so, and gives a brief biography of the composers of the world. A nice companion to have while listening to your new found (or old) love of music.
Very good advice.......1999-07-20
Hemming does a very good job of sifting through the thousands of recordings available. After buying many of the recordings Hemming suggested, I can attest to his musical knowledge and taste. This book provides a tremendous boost to the person starting a classical music collection. My copy is falling apart because it has been used so often.
Not balanced.......1999-04-13
This book was a real disappointment. Mr. Hemming is almost exclusively interested in orchestral music, and addresses chamber music only when he has little choice -- with Chopin, for example. Beethoven's sonatas don't merit anyone's attention? Give me a break. There are more balanced, inclusive guides to be had.
This book is an excellent guide to classical recordings........1998-03-15
Even though I've been a classical music fan for years, I have found Hemming's guide to be an indispensable resource. He recommends specific recordings and tells you why they're good, and he gives you enough info to help you enjoy the pieces he picks out as each composer's best work.
Fantastic! A must for Classical Music Lovers........1997-11-21
After watching the movie Amadeus my interest in classical music was born and I desperately needed a guide. Roy Hemmings book filled the "guide" requirement splendidly as I had no idea where to begin. I have discovered so much with Roy's help and my interest in this musical genre has never waned since. Thankyou Roy for expanding my repertoire!
Average customer rating:
|
Listener's Art
Leonard Gilbert Ratner
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Instruction & Study
| Theory, Composition & Performance
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0070512213 |
Product Description
1. Waltz in A Flat (Op. 39/10), Brahms, 1:25;
2. Clarinet Concerto (Second Movement), Mozart, 7:21;
3. Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun, Debussy, 10:09; 4. Waltz in C Sharp Minor, Chopin, 3:30;
5. Consolation, Liszt, 3:08;
6. Traumerai, Shuman, 2:38;
7. Lieberstraum, Liszt, 4:25;
8. Claire De Lune, Dubussy, 5:09
Amazon.com
The title of this book is a misnomer: there are no parallels between these two composers' lives except that both were Americans and musical innovators. They were as different as they could be. Copland was an open-hearted, open-minded cosmopolitan New Yorker, who, actively engaged in human and social affairs, wrote mainly accessible music and books for the people. Ives was an embittered, idealistic, secretive recluse who wrote mainly inaccessible music and books for himself while selling insurance for a living. Yet, as Daniel Felsenfeld shows in this thoughtful, enlightening book, each in his own way laid the foundation for what came to be defined as the "American" sound and spirit in music. Convinced that a composer's work is inseparable from his life and personality, Felsenfeld divides his book into three inventively organized sections. Beginning with a brief biography and ending with a discussion of some of his subjects' striking characteristics, he shows how their training and experiences influenced their work and careers and then devotes the central part to analyzing their music. Guidance for listening and understanding is aided by a CD of their most familiar compositions in excellent performances.
Copland, son of Jewish Polish-Lithuanian immigrants, studied with Nadja Boulanger, but being surrounded by French music and culture only strengthened his resolve to become an "American" composer. Despite a brief flirtation with serialism, he was determined to close the gap between composer and audience, and he succeeded admirably: his colorful scores, often suffused with folk and jazz idioms, speak to everyone; he became not only one of the most popular, but most respected composers of his time. Ives, whose musician father opened his ears to unheard-of musical combinations, was born into a New England family steeped in transcendental philosophy. His music, eccentric and deliberately perverse, is an acquired taste. Any composer who feels impelled to write a long, linguistically and philosophically impenetrable essay explaining his "magnum opus" can hardly expect to capture a large audience. Felsenfeld makes the best possible case for it, but one senses admiration rather than love. The author's style is not always felicitous (Copland's teacher "feared that Ives' influence might improperly influence the talented young man"), but having obviously read all of Copland's popular and Ives' indigestible writings, he was perhaps improperly influenced himself. --Edith Eisler
Book Description
This book explains-in vivid picturesque detail-why we still listen with admiration to the work of these men, and how their personalities and the era in which they lived affected their music. The accompanying CD includes a sampling of their music from masterworks such as Appalachian Spring and The Unanswered Question to less common gems and includes guided listenings of exactly how the pieces work.
Customer Reviews:
What's on the CD you ask... .......2005-08-04
Since a third of the book is dedicated to the discussion and dissection of Charles Ives' and Aaron Copland's compositions, here is a listing of the music on the accompanying BMG CD: 1) Copland: Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra with Harp and Piano; 2) Copland: Appalachian Spring; 3) Copland: El Salon Mexico; 4) Ives: The Unanswered Question; 5) Ives: "Memories"; 6) Ives: "General William Booth Enters Into Heaven"; and 7) Ives: Three Places in New England - II. "Putnam's Camp". The recording is dominated by Michael Tilson Thomas who appears as both conductor of the London and San Francisco Symphonies and as pianist on "Memories." Also on the disc are Eugene Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra (Appalachian Spring) and Eduardo Mata conducting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (El Salon Mexico).
introduction to the music with a CD.......2005-01-26
Brief biographies of the two premier American composers are followed by tutorials on their music focusing on better-known, widely-aclaimed pieces. The guide succeeds in making the music accessible without dumbing it down at all or trying to popularize it. Felsenfeld is himself a composer and a music writer bringing to the task not only compatibility with Ives and Copland, but also an educator's understanding of the reader's position in wanting to learn more about them and enhance appreciation of their music. With the book is the treat of a CD offering ample samplings of music, including Copland's complete "Appalachian Spring" and four pieces of Ives', who wrote shorter, intense works.
Books:
- The Pema Chodron Collection: Pure Meditation:Good Medicine:From Fear to Fearlessness
- The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll: The Definitive History of the Most Important Artists and Their Music
- The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes
- The Secret Garden (HarperClassics)
- The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1)
- The Violin Maker: Finding a Centuries-Old Tradition in a Brooklyn Workshop
- The Wild Wood
- Thinking Musically: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture (Global Music Series, 1)
- Three Great Orchestral Works in Full Score: Prelude A L'Apres-Midi D'Un Faune, Nocturnes, La Mer (Dover Orchestral Scores)
- Transforming Stress: The Heartmath Solution For Relieving Worry, Fatigue, And Tension
Books Index
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