Best Books About Classical Music
Contents
A list of the best books about classical music, including biographies, histories, and books about specific composers and musicians.
The Best Classical Music Books for Beginners
If you’re interested in learning more about classical music, there are a few great books that can get you started. These books will teach you about the history of classical music, the different composers and styles, and how to appreciate the music.
Music History for Beginners by Simon Williams
This book is an excellent introduction to the history of classical music, tracing the development of the genre from its medieval roots up to the present day. Simon Williams covers a wide range of topics in an accessible and engaging way, making this an ideal book for readers who are new to classical music. The book also includes a helpful timeline of key events in classical music history, as well as a glossary of key terms.
The Classical Music Experience by Julie Anne Sadie
The Classical Music Experience by Julie Anne Sadie is a great book for beginners who want to learn about classical music. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the history of classical music, the different types of classical music, and the different styles of classical music. The book also includes a CD of classical music so that readers can experience the music for themselves.
The Norton Introduction to Music by Mark Evan Bonds
The Norton Introduction to Music by Mark Evan Bonds is one of the best books about classical music for beginners. It is a well-written and comprehensive introduction to the subject, aimed at readers who are new to classical music. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the history of classical music to the different types of musical compositions. It also includes biographies of some of the most important composers, as well as a glossary of musical terms.
The Best Classical Music Books for Intermediates
If you’re looking to learn more about classical music, there are a few great books that can help you out. “The Classical Music Experience” by Julius Felton is a great choice for beginners. It covers the basics of classical music and helps you understand the different styles and genres. For intermediates, “The Enjoyment of Music” by Joseph Machlis is a great choice. It goes into more depth about the history and theory of classical music.
The Classical Music Companion by Kenneth Hamilton
The Classical Music Companion by Kenneth Hamilton is one of the best books about classical music for intermediates. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of classical music to its major composers, performers, and pieces. It also includes a helpful glossary of musical terms.
The Cambridge Companion to Beethoven by Glenn Stanley
The Cambridge Companion to Beethoven is a collection of essays written by some of the world’s most famous Beethoven scholars. The book covers every aspect of Beethoven’s life and work, from his childhood to his last years, and includes in-depth looks at his music, his thought process, and his relationships. If you want to know everything there is to know about Beethoven, this is the book for you.
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians by Stanley Sadie
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is one of the most respected and well-known resources for classical music. This dictionary is perfect for intermediates who want to learn more about classical music and deepen their understanding of the genre. The dictionary includes entries on a wide range of topics, from composers and their works to musical styles and forms. With over 21,000 entries, this is an essential resource for anyone serious about learning more about classical music.
The Best Classical Music Books for Experts
If you’re looking for a way to improve your understanding of classical music, there’s no better way to do it than by reading one of the best books about the subject. By reading books about classical music, you’ll not only learn about the history and origins of the genre, but you’ll also gain a greater appreciation for the music itself. Here are some of our top picks for the best books about classical music.
The New Grove Dictionary of Opera by John Tyrell
The New Grove Dictionary of Opera is an encyclopedic reference work on opera, written in English. It was first published in 1992 as The New Grove Dictionary of Opera, edited by Stanley Sadie with John Tyrell as executive editor. Tyrell continued to edit the work until his own death in 2001. The work is now edited byJudy Craske, with contributions from more than 1,000 scholars worldwide.
The dictionary comprises twelve volumes, including a four-volume index; it covers more than 27,000 operas and over 12,000 individual works. Entries range from brief summaries to substantial essays on major topics; each entry includes a list of sources for further reading. The work also includes a number of biographies of major opera composers and librettists, as well as a detailed chronology of the history of opera.
The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz by Barry Kernfeld
The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz by Barry Kernfeld is often heralded as one of the best books about classical music. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the history of jazz to the major figures in the genre. If you’re looking for a thorough introduction to jazz, this is the book for you.
The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments by Stanley Sadie
The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments is an authoritative reference work on musical instruments from around the world. It includes entries on all major and many minor instruments, from the piano to the percussion instruments, and is illustrated with over 1,000 photographs and diagrams. The dictionary is organized into three main sections: a history of each instrument, a discussion of its construction and function, and a performance guide. The historical articles trace the development of each instrument from its origins to the present day, while the performance guides offer advice on choosing an instrument and tips on how to get the best sound from it.
