Synopses & Reviews
With over 1,400 pages of reviews, The Gramophone Classical Music Guide 2012 is the ultimate companion for classical music enthusiasts. Drawn from Gramophone magazine's panel of unrivaled critics, the book arms the reader with reviews of 3,000 recommended classical recordings to suit any taste. Also features an essay on the 1,000 year history of classical music, a guide to downloading, 100 brand new recommended recordings, a suggested basic library and a list of Gramophone's recordings of the year.
Review
"Can you imagine living without music? I can't...and among the many pleasures music offers is that act of sharing it with others, guiding friends to new discoveries or to old favorites. And that's exactly what this book does - with authority, enthusiasm, and above all, passion." Martin Alsop, Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Review
"The authority of Gramophone's peerless list of reviewers is apparent on every page." The Daily Telegraph
Review
"From Adams to Zemlinsky, this is a fascinating guide and a must-have for classical music enthusiasts!" Music Books Plus
About the Author
James Jolly was the editor of Gramophone, the world’s most respected classical record magazine, from 1989 to 2005. He stepped down from the role on the publication of the magazine’s 1000th issue taking on the title of Editor-in-Chief. He contributes a monthly column on downloading and new technologies to the magazine and is also editor of the Classical Good CD, DVD and Download Guide. He has also made many podcasts, not only for Gramophone, but with major artists such as Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Maxim Vengerov and Martin Alsop as well as younger performers like Alison Balsom, Natalie Clein and Simon Trpceski.
For the last four years he has co-presented a monthly new releases program for XM Classics, part of the US-based satellite radio network, XM Radio based in Washington DC, and has also hosted Virgin Atlantic’s classical music program. For the past two years he has co-hosted the Midem Classical Awards in Cannes. His written contributions outside Gramophone include articles for The Grove Dictionary of Opera.