SOS In Finding a Good Classical Music Appreciation Book

[White Knight]

I need the help of my more learned colleagues on this forum in finding a relatively decent book or guide to help me in my listening abilieies to better appreciate classical music. I am considering buying The Vintage Guide to Classical Music by Jan Swafford. I am also pondering purchasing books such as The NPR Guide to Classical Music and/or Classical Music For Dummies. If any of my fellow members have any opinions or experiences with these works or something similar, I'd really appreciate some feedback and help in this matter. I'm all ears. :lol: Thanks!

 

[Darena]

Man! This is so easy for me to reply!!

That's What to Listen for in Music by Aaron Copland:

http://www.amazon.com/What-Listen-Music-Aaron-Copland/dp/0451528670

Exactly what you need.

 

[Mat]

Hey Steve,

Here's something on a slightly less serious note: Bach, Beethoven and the Boys: Music History as it Ought to be Thought by David Barber.

Not much of a detailed guide, but rather a humorous book with some not-so-serious illustrations by Dave Donald.

 

[Chi_townPhilly]

Hey Steve,

Here's something on a slightly less serious note: Bach, Beethoven and the Boys: Music History as it Ought to be Thought by David Barber.

Oh dear...

If I were to speak my true feelings about this book, I might risk violating the Terms of Service for the Forum. [As a staffer, that would be really bad!] To take the most hideous example, the guy's fulminations against the music of Wagner are full-on repugnant.

For a less agenda-driven perspective, see if you can find Bill Parker's "Building a Classical Music Library." Apropos this book, noted conductor Neville Marriner wrote: "This is a slim volume of suggestions, not derogatory comparisons." I believe it to superior to the previous suggestion by a factor of multiples...

 

[White Knight]

To all my fellow members who have made suggestions, I deeply and humbly thank all of you for taking the time and interest to help me in my quest. I think I am going to start with the Jan Swafford book. Supposedly, he should know of what he speaks, as he has also written a well-received--or so I am given to understand--biography of Brahms.