Understanding Music

by Jeremy Yudkin

Jeremy Yudkin's book is a rich music appreciation program that supports the ultimate goal of teaching active listening. By focusing on music of the Western tradition in its social, historical, and global context, this book engages readers in an active listening experience of music through a lively narrative text and innovative activities. Topic coverage includes music around the world, the fundamentals of music, the art of listening, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque Era, the Classic Era, Beethoven, the Nineteenth Century, and the Twentieth Century. For those interested in developing active listening skills and a deeper appreciation for music.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History, Reference, Textbooks

502 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I appreciated music but after reading this textbook, I truly now know what it means to appreciate music! Changed my life by introducing classical music and it's greatest to me. Took "music appreciation 101" at the community college when I was a teen and it changed my life. Cheesy? Yes. Still blown away everytime I hear Tchaikovsky's Sixth symphony? You bet your ass, yes!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a systematic learn of the different periods of musical history. I especially love the story between Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann.

“And now these three endure: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — this quote from the Bible is what Clara wrote it to Robert Schumann after he passed away. Simply beautiful.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This textbook is full of information. I found that some students thrived on all the history and information about the evolution of Western Music. Others were overwhelmed. I think that chapters two and twelve were too long and could have been edited. However, I really enjoyed teaching from this book. I used companion CDs, websites, and Powerpoints. I plan on teaching from this book in the future.
(this review is based on the 6th edition of this book)