Synopses & Reviews
Written by an expert with more than five decades of experience listening to and commenting on classical music, this reference is a rigorous introduction to the musical genre. Presented in a practical, accessible format, the information included in the book will allow readers identify instruments, composers, and compositions as they listen to the music; provides simple definitions of intimidating music jargon; and sheds light on the lives and legacies of some of the most important composers. Tips and recommendations on building a CD collection are also included, helping beginning listeners move from aficionados to connoisseurs as they consult this guide time and again.
About the Author
Robert Sherman is a former music critic and columnist for the New York Times and the producer and host of the McGraw-Hill Companies Young Artists Showcase, broadcast on WQXR public radio in New York. A former faculty member at the Juilliard School for nearly 20 years, he is also a concert narrator with ensembles including Canadian Brass, the Greenwich Symphony, and the U.S. Military Academy Band. He is the author of The Complete Idiots Guide to Classical Music. Philip Seldon is the author of nine books, including the Complete Idiots Guide to Wine, the Smart Guide to the Solar System, and the Smart Guide to Wine. They both live in New York City.