Introduction to Music

by Hugh Milton Miller, Paul Taylor

Specifically designed for the 250,000 students enrolled in Introduction to Music courses each year, this helpful outline gives background information on topics such as: sound and tone, the notation of pitch, harmony and tonality, and more.

Genres: Music

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of four general guides I own to classical music. I have other books specifically on orchestral, concerto, chamber, choral and opera, but this is one that covers all the different forms. The other general guides are more listening guides, with an emphasis on the composers. Miller's Barnes and Noble Introduction to Music goes over such things as tone, tempo, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture etc. What I particularly like about this book, is that there is recommended listening for each chapter, each element. So while the other guides might have recommendations for Bach, or for Opera or Romantic composers, this book will recommend pieces that illustrate tone, timing, harmony, specific instruments, etc.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book begins with an introductory section that teaches the basic terminology and structures of music. That is followed by a fascinating history of the development of music and all its styles from about 300 CE to the present. It was very cool to see the parallels between the theater history which I have studied extensively and the history of music which I was reading.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A skin-deep guide to appreciating western European (and christian) music. The book scarcely acknowledges that music exists further east than Austria or south of Italy. Still, it provides a framework to understand a large body of music, European or otherwise.