The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

by Robert Sherman

You're no idiot of course. You know something about classical music, whether it's the "da-da-da-dum" opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony or that a famous shaggy dog was named after that same composer. But when it comes to knowing your Vivaldi from your Berlioz, you find it less stressful to tune your radio dial to some old time rock and roll. Don't give up yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Music shows you how easy it is to understand and appreciate classical music--from recognizing musical pieces to distinguishing composers. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Robert Sherman (PhD, University of Chicago Divinity School) previously served as the Richard P. Buck Professor of Christian Theology at Bangor Theological Seminary in Bangor, Maine (which closed in 2013). A leading theologian of the Reformed tradition, he is the author of King, Priest, and Prophet: A Trinitarian Theology of Atonement.

Reviews

[Marko Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goal for reading this book was to not get lost in the sea of classical music, and it served this purpose.

It did help find differences for example about Baroque from Romanticism and it did guided me through composers, famous operas, and such. The reading is light and is not at all unpleasant. It contains plenty of fun and interesting facts.

I believe the real enjoyment comes from actually listening to classical music, and choosing your own favorites according to your tastes.

Finally I have to say: yes, this book helps.