The Best Books on Classical Music
Contents
If you’re looking for the best books on classical music, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the top books on classical music, from history to theory to performance.
Introduction
Classical music is often seen as a difficult and elitist genre, but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, classical music can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or taste. Whether you’re a seasoned symphonygoer or a curious newcomer, these books will give you a greater appreciation for the genre.
From biographies of legendary composers to histories of famous orchestras, these books will give you a crash course in classical music. You’ll learn about the different periods and styles of classical music, as well as the stories behind some of the genre’s most iconic works. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge or simply want to be inspired by great musicians, these books are sure to do the trick.
The Best Books on Classical Music
There are many different ways to enjoy classical music. You can listen to it, watch it, or read about it. If you want to learn more about classical music, reading is a great way to do it. In this article, we will recommend some of the best books on classical music. These books will teach you about the history of classical music, the different genres, and the most famous composers.
The Norton/Grove Dictionary of American Music
The Norton/Grove Dictionary of American Music is the most comprehensive reference work on American music ever published. It covers all genres of American music, from classical to popular, from the colonial era to the present day. The dictionary includes entries on more than 5,000 composers, performers, and ensembles, as well as articles on musical styles, genres, and periods.
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is an encyclopedic dictionary of music and musicians. The majority of the entries are written by leading scholars. It is the largest reference work on Western music in existence, with over 21,600 articles in 29 volumes. It covers all aspects of Western music, including composers, performers, conductors, instruments and notation, as well as a wide variety of genres. In addition to its 28 printed volumes, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is also available online.
The New Grove Dictionary of Opera
The New Grove Dictionary of Opera is the most comprehensive reference work on classical music ever published. With more than 12,000 articles and 27,000 biographies, it is the essential guide to everything opera-related. This four-volume work covers operas from all over the world, including many by little-known composers, and provides detailed information on virtually every aspect of the art form, from musical styles and genres to stagecraft and design.
The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz
The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative reference books on jazz ever published. It contains more than 1,600 articles written by more than 600 jazz experts from around the world, making it an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to know more about this truly great American art form.
A History of Western Music
A History of Western Music is a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Western classical music. It covers a wide range of topics, from Gregorian chant to contemporary classical music, and is written in a clear and accessible style.
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of classical music and its history.
Conclusion
Books about classical music can be divided into two broad categories: books that are primarily about the music itself, and books that are about the people who create and perform it. There are many excellent books in both categories, but for this list, I have chosen to focus on the latter.
These are just a few of the best books on classical music, all of which offer insights into the lives and work of some of the most influential musicians in history. If you want to learn more about this fascinating topic, I highly recommend any of these books.
