Book on Classical Music?

[Vaughan]

Bit of a quandary, this isn't about Jazz - but it IS about Music theory (I think).

I need help. I need a book. I want to get something that clearly defines and describes the various approaches to composition - for example, Serialism. I want clear description of twelve-tone, tonal and atonal approaches etc. I want to know about the Romantics, and what made their music different to what came before (and after, for that matter).

Basically, a history of music.

THE CATCH: I am totally non-musical. I don't play an instrument. So a "how to" guide isn't useful. I guess I'm looking for something more academic. And I'm having a hell of time finding anything that fits...... Anyone got any ideas?

For that matter, such a book that does the same for Jazz and its variants might be cool too.

I've done the usual searches, but can't find a book that really fits. It must be out there, but I think my lack of knowledge is hindering my searches.....

[Tenorman]

Have you checked these out

http://idiotsguides.com/static/quick...ichistory.html

http://idiotsguides.com/static/quick...sictheory.html

[Mariotte]

Originally Posted by Vaughan

Bit of a quandary, this isn't about Jazz - but it IS about Music theory (I think).

I need help. I need a book. I want to get something that clearly defines and describes the various approaches to composition - for example, Serialism. I want clear description of twelve-tone, tonal and atonal approaches etc. I want to know about the Romantics, and what made their music different to what came before (and after, for that matter).

Basically, a history of music.

THE CATCH: I am totally non-musical. I don't play an instrument. So a "how to" guide isn't useful. I guess I'm looking for something more academic. And I'm having a hell of time finding anything that fits...... Anyone got any ideas?

For that matter, such a book that does the same for Jazz and its variants might be cool too.

I've done the usual searches, but can't find a book that really fits. It must be out there, but I think my lack of knowledge is hindering my searches.....

I think Music in Western Civilization, a book written by Láng could be what you are looking for. I doesn't cover serialism but it do cover any western music before late S. XIX.

This is the edition I found (used and cheap).

LÁNG, Paul Henry, Music in Western Civilization, New York, W. W. Norton & Company Inc, 1941.

The book is very well written and present a serious analysis of music throught the times, from Rome to the late S. XIX.

It's not a "theory of music" book, it's more like a "history of music" book, but it digs into musical issues all the time, as the author understand the matter.

I was so happy with the book that I took a few pictures of it.

[guitarjazz]

Do you have the Copeland book?
http://www.amazon.com/What-Listen-Mu.../dp/0451531760

[Alypius]

Vaughan, Let me update something I posted about 2 years ago over on the "Classical thread." It addresses most of what you're looking for:

1) Grout’s History of Western Music: The classic textbook that people in music schools have used for many years is Donald J. Grout’s A History of Western Music. It's now in its 8th edition (Norton, 2009), and J. Peter Burkholder is now listed as the primary author. It's a bit pricey on Amazon, but I'm sure your local public library has a copy of it, probably one of the earlier editions. Amazon also refers you to somewhere you can rent the textbook. Here’s the link to Amazon:
Burkhold / Grout: History of Western Music



(2) The Norton Recorded Anthology of Western Music. If this is the same as I used when I did my studies, it has the score plus CDs. That way, you can follow the score as the music is playing, and it complements the Burkholder / Grout which gives you the commentary and analysis. I don't have the latest edition, but it now seems to be divided into three volumes. Given that your interest in 20th/21st century, I presume that you want to start here:
Norton Anthology, Vol. 3



(3) Basics of Music Theory. In an earlier post, someone gave a reference to the "Idiot's Guide" volume. I'm sure that's OK, but I first learned music theory on my own using a self-paced problem book like this:
Alfreds Essentials Music Theory Self Study



(4) The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd ed. (New York: Macmillan, 2001). This is the standard multi-volume encyclopedia of music. This is the place to chase down encyclopedia articles to introduce you to basic concepts and composers. It can be pretty technical, but it's the place to start your research on any figure or concept. Any competent university library will have a copy.

(5) NPR Classical 50: One of the best introductions to classical music is a series that Ted Libbey did in 2009 on National Public Radio under the title “The NPR Classical 50.”
http://www.npr.org/series/99866406/t...ical-50/?ps=sa
I’ve listened to the complete series, and I’m very impressed with his skills as a teacher, his ability to highlight compositional elements, performance elements, qualities of a recording, and much else. He makes things accessible to newcomers and yet has the ability to highlight things even experienced listeners will find helpful and intriguing. Given your interest in minimalism, be sure and check out his discussion of Steve Reich and John Adams. However, there's nothing there about 12-tone.

(6) Magazines: Just as one reads Downbeat and Jazz Times to learn about the best jazz, old and new, so there are a number of fine magazines on classical music. The three best classical music magazine are: BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone, and Listen. The first two are monthlies; the latter comes out 4 times a year. They all have excellent articles and reviews of recordings and DVDs. BBC Music often features a “composer of the month,” which offers an overview to individual composers. All three are available at Barnes & Noble’s.

(7) Websites: One of the best websites for exploring recordings of classical music is ArkivMusic.com
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/main.jsp
Maybe even better is the British website Presto Classical (which also publishes Gramophone Classical Music Guide):
http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/

[Vaughan]

Thank you to all who have replied - much appreciated. I listen to a lot of classical music, and my time with it is getting longer and longer. It's time for me to become more knowledgeable.

As such, I bought two books. First the Lang, which I got very cheaply secondhand. The other was the Donald Grout title. That one was quite expensive, and if I don't get on with it I'm going to take Alypius to small claims court to get my money back.

It's a big book of a 1000 pages, and I didn't fancy a paperback that size, so went that bit extra for the hardback. Still set me back $75 though.

But what price a life time of enjoyment?

Thanks again, I'll report back when I get them.

[Alypius]

Originally Posted by Vaughan

Thank you to all who have replied - much appreciated. I listen to a lot of classical music, and my time with it is getting longer and longer. It's time for me to become more knowledgeable.

As such, I bought two book ...The other was the Donald Grout title. That one was quite expensive, and if I don't get on with it I'm going to take Alypius to small claims court to get my money back.

It's a big book of a 1000 pages, and I didn't fancy a paperback that size, so went that bit extra for the hardback. Still set me back $75 though.

But what price a life time of enjoyment?

Thanks again, I'll report back when I get them.

Sorry to be so financially damaging. Hope it is what you're looking for. I've always found it to be helpful. It occurred to me later that, given your interest in contemporary music, you might look at Alex Ross' The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century. Here's the link to Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Rest-Noise...=rest+is+noise