The Chronicle of Classical Music: An Intimate Diary of the Lives and Music of the Great Composers

by Alan Kendall

Classical music today has a bigger and more universal following than ever, the age of the CD making it accessible to a vast audience. Here is a book that will bring vividly to life the worlds of some of our greatest composers. Taking the form of a chronological diary from 1600 to the present day, it leads the reader through the centuries, year by year, and follows the great composers' overlapping and interweaving lives. It contains details the main musical works and events of the year; the life and background of each composer; concurrent historical and artistic events and influences. Carefully cross-referenced with the chronological data are a series of special features discussing in detail the key works, influences on musical form and performance, the changing working conditions and status of the musicians, and the development of musical instruments. The book extracts from original letters and journals; hundreds of illustrations reproducing posters, cartoons, photographs, documents and musical scores; an extensive reference section including biographies, a timeline and a guide to the top recordings and performers.

Genres: Music, History

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Gwendolyn Caithness Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steady, reliable, interesting and relaxed approach to an intricate journey through history. Doesn't insult ones' intelligence but doesn't trigger boredom, either. Heavy, on high quality paper, it's not exactly easy to read in hand, but the writing inspires a yearning for more focused, detailed books on individual composers, topics and periods. Super introduction, now my "Go To" manual, for selecting symphony performances to attend, as well as knowing a thing or 2, before each concert.

[Peter Tillman · Rating 1 out of 5]

This one didn't click for me at all. Skimmed and returned.