Product Description

In this work the author guides the reader through five developments in the history of western music; starting with the invention of notation by an 11th century Italian monk, taking in the invention of equal temperament (the gaps between notes), the invention of the piano and that of opera and ending with the story of the first recording made in history - "Mary Had a Little Lamb" by Thomas Edison. The author aims to make these complicated musical advances both clear to the layman and interesting, as well as offering a sense of culture of trial and error and competition, be it in 11th century Italy or 19th century America, in which all progress takes place. Musical history is littered with also-rans - not least the Lyraflugel and the Enphonicon Harp-piano - so each "big bang" is chosen on the grounds that music was never the same after its invention, allowing this biography of 1000 years' endeavour to offer a window on the crucial moments in our musical culture - discoveries that made possible everything from Bach to the Beatles.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #462514 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-24
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Customer Reviews

This book saved my life on the London Underground!
I originally saw the C4 series of the same title and was impressed enough to buy the book of the series. However the book is much more than a printed representation of the series. There is a lot more detail than could be presented in a one hour slot as well as interesting diversions and personal insights from the author as well. Mr Goodall has an excellent writing style (rather like his delivery on screen) and the whole book is suffused with his wit and humour-you can almost hear him delivering the text! The subject matter could have easily been 'stuffily' presented as often happens when writing about music, but Big Bangs was always refreshing and fun to read.

This is a superb and long overdue book. It's perfectly pitched (ha,ha!)at the lay person with a strong interest in music whether it be classical or popular. I'm now looking out for the hard backed version to keep for posterity and there will be a few copies on my Christmas shopping list.

Buy this and read it over and over again. Well done Howard!

Excellent narrative and very easy to understand
This book is both amusing and educational, it outlines the 5 most significant events that had an impact on the world of music, such as the invention of music notation to the invention of the piano. For anyone doing a music course this is excellent revision material outlining the history of music.

A must-read for all music lovers
Howard Goodall writes about 5 breakthroughs in western music in the last thousand years; inventions that changed the world of music forever. His passion for the subject is contagious and some passages are truly inspired. The book is historically accurate and yet innovative in its approach. If you love music, you'll love this book.