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Customer Reviews

a favorite among music lovers

2002-09-26
Those of us serious about classical music probably own, in addition to hundreds of recordings, such necessary references as the "Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians," "The Harvard Biographical Dictionary of Music," "The New Harvard Dictionary of Music," and/or (for the ultimate reference) the multi-volume "Grove Dictionary of Music." For us, this book may seem like an unnecessary addition. However, that is not the case.

Karl Haas is to classical music what Carl Sagan was to astronomy--he brings it to the people. Every day, thousands of listeners tune in to hear Karl Haas's radio show, "Adventures in Good Music," and this book serves as much more than a program companion. If you are new to classical music, use this book as an excellent introductory manual and reference (second only to Roger Kamien's "Music: An Introduction"). And if you are well-versed in the classical music tradition, this book is still a must-have because you will find a more enthusiastic and knowledgable account of the joys of music nowhere else. Haas's world-famous avuncular style reverberates through his written prose just as livelily as when heard over the airwaves. Put this book in your musical library and lend it to anyone you know who is curious about the world of classical music.

Not much use for someone who studied music 2002-01-10
Looking for a book that might possibly give me a better insight into the aesthetic value of music, I bought this with high hopes. Having previously studied music, I was also hoping for a unique perspective and a broader education in classical music, but found this book to be nothing more than a college level textbook. It is arranged nicely and has great appendix on creating a music library. But the author is often long winded, using musical terms that aren't clearly defined and over descriptive and opinionated explanations of composers and their works. This might be nice for someone who has a beginning interest in classical music, but not for someone who has a working knowledge of the field.

Keep this book near at hand! 2000-11-27
This is an indispensable reference for every facet of music appreciation! If you've ever wondered what the difference was between a Rondo and an Overture, or which music selections you should have as essentials in your classical collection, this is without a doubt THE book to own! It is clearly written, with colorful background information loaded along with the nuts and bolts workings of musical instrumentation and appreciation. A comprehensive index, bibliography, glossary, and extensive listing of suggestions for building your music library, make this a book like no other! Buy this no matter what stage you are in Classical appreciation.