Customer Reviews
A Musical Dictionary 
2004-01-28
This book is exactly what it says it is-terms and concepts from A to Z. Its a dictionary. It explains general classical music terms and phrases. One great thing about this book is you don't have to read it from beginning to end.
Each entry in the book is well defined (sometimes a few pages long). I read the whole book and thought it was interesting, humorous, and educating.
There are entries explaining many of the instruments in classical music (ones that are still used and some that are not). There are also sections on dynamics and notation with charts and a few helpful pictures. There is also a chart of equivalent notes.
This book is by no means inclusive. It is however, a great starting point.
Some of the terms included in this book are:
absolute pitch, aria, arpeggio, beat, cadence, cantata, fugue, harmony, key, meter, opus number, pitch, rubato, scale, sonata, tempo and rhythm.
Hope this helps you!
an inexpensive introductory reference 
2002-10-04
I am a fan of Miles Hoffmann's engaging and educational "Coming to Terms" segment on NPR's "Performance Today," and this companion-style book provides an excellent source to follow with. It is like a paperback musical glossary that defines the broadest ideas and terms within the classical music world, in language that is easily understood. You will not see as much detail within the entries as you would find, say, in the thrice-as-expensive "Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians" (my reference of choice), nor will you find as much enthusiasm for classical music as you would encounter in Karl Haas's "Inside Music," two factors which make the NPR book a bit middle-of-the-road. Nevertheless, given its size, price, and approachable contents, I would recommend this guide as THE reference (glossary/dictionary) to use for anyone new to classical music.
LIstening With Intelligence 2002-05-01
Now anyone can understand the somewhat dazzyling array of Italian and other "foreign language" musical terms that are bantered about if one listens to classical music.
Here Hoffman provides help in the form of this companion book which includes not only forte-piano to diminuendo, but also provides neat sections on musical instrument families and what I find really helpful, "Character Pieces" such as "Etude" "Scherzo" etc.
Will enhance anyone's ability to understand what we're listening to.
Musical Training Wheels 2001-07-05
This book is just what the doctor ordered for musical neophytes like myself who are looking for an accessible but authoritative crash course in basic musical terminology. If the difference between pizzicato and pianissimo continues to elude you, then read on. Two aspects of this book are particularly appealing. The first is Libbey's style, which is free-flowing and chatty, conveying often difficult ideas with impressive clarity (the articles on counterpoint and fugue are cases in point). Secondly, I was impressed by his essay-style approach to his various musical subjects; unlike a musical dictionary, which would be content to stop at mere definition, Libbey's book provides background, explanations, examples and opinions that do much to round out the material in the reader's mind. An impressive work indeed!
An excellent reference tool and well written. 1999-06-17
Miles Hoffman's book is just as inventive and clever as his section "Coming to Terms" on NPR's Performance Today. His defintions are packed with information and witty commentary, necessitating its use for any classical music lover. For those in the business, or just those wanting to know more, Hoffman's guide is a must have because no other reference tool is as accessible or as clearly written. Suddenly, the lexicon of classical music is no longer out of reach, but instead understandable and affordable in this wonderful guide to terms.
This book is compulsively readable, witty, and learned. 1999-06-13
"Whether you know a lot about music or nothing at all, Miles Hoffman will help you think about what you listen to and how you listen. This book is a great achievement. There's nothing else out there like it." -- Wynton Marsalis, composer, trumpeter, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in music
An irresistible tour through the lexicon of classical music, The NPR Classical Music Companionoffers an essential education certain to increase any listener's understanding and appreciation of this potentially daunting musical genre. Miles Hoffman sheds light on more than 130 words and concepts that listeners may encounter in CD booklets, on the radio, in classical concert programs, or in newspaper reviews. These wholly delightful, accessible entries touch on fascinating topics, including what makes a good or a bad conductor, what musical term is most often misused, and why opera was invented. Whether you are an experienced concertgoer or have only recently been introduced to the music of Mozart and Beethoven, Hoffman's clear explanations will both enlighten and entertain.
"A musical guide filled with wit and unique charm. There are delicious musical morsels to delight everyone, from the novice to the scholar." -- Eugenia Zukerman, author, flutist, and arts correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning
"[Hoffman] takes the myth and starch out of classical music." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Carefully researched . . . informal and informative. . . a reader-friendly book." -- Washington Post
Miles Hoffman is music commentator for National Public Radio(R) 's Morning Edition(R). A graduate of Yale University and the Juilliard School, he is the violist and artistic director of the American Chamber Players.
Anyone with any interest in music will want a copy. 1999-06-11
This is a great reference book, textbook, bedside table book, beach read--you name it! You can trust what Hoffman tells you about music, and he tells it with subtlety, elegance, and wit. Anyone with any interest in music will want a copy.
Not recommended if you're musically knowledgable... 
1998-08-29
Let's start off by saying that this isn't a bad book. For those who do wish to break into the mysterious language of classical music, by all means, give it a read. However, being a music student of 15 years, I bought this book with the expectation that it would explain many more terms, much more thoroughly. The biggest disappointment, I found, was that there was not even a section dedicated to the composers themselves who are the ones responsible for classical music. Even possibly a short page on a few of the great names would have added so much to this book. If you're looking for a guide, I'd much rather recommed Classical Music for Dummies!! Composers, terms, pieces, humour...and pictures too!!!
Everything you ever wanted to know about classical music ... 1998-07-09
... but were afraid to ask. Employing the same straightforward language and sophsticated humor that characterize his commentaries on NPR's "Performance Today," Miles Hoffman opens a window on understanding many of the concepts (both popular and obscure) that musicians take for granted. He also translates much of the jargon (English, Italian, French, whatever) that can make classical music less accessible.
I can't think of any other reference work I've read (or even wanted to read) cover-to-cover. Buy this book and save a couple of years worth of music school (not to mention probably laughing a whole lot more)!
A one-stop resource for classical music questions 1998-06-12
It began when my husband wondered aloud, "What's the difference between a philharmonic orchestra and a plain old orchestra?" Miles Hoffman answered that question, and others that since have arisen, in easy-to-understand language. This book is the single resource classical-music lovers need to help them better appreciate what they're hearing. The entries are alphabetical, which is extremely helpful, and the judicious use of cross-referencing ensures complete understanding of terms and concepts. Mr. Hoffman mixes expertise and insight with wit, making "The NPR Classical Music Companion" a delight to read.
