Product Description

The more you know about classical music, the more you love it. Now, thanks to Classical Music For Dummies, you can achieve a whole new level of insight into both the composers and the compositions that have made classical music one of the great accomplishments of humankind.

Classical Music For Dummies doesn′t assume that you have a degree in musicology –– or even that you took a course in music appreciation. Rather, the multimedially gifted David Pogue and renowned conductor Scott Speck explain classical music in terms you can understand, and they describe musical elements so that you can hear them for yourself.

A reference you can dip into at any point, Classical Music For Dummies covers such topics as

• The various forms that classical music takes –– from symphonies to string quartets
• What goes on behind the scenes and on stage to fill a concert hall with great classical music
• How to recognize, by sight and by sound, the many instruments that make up an orchestra
• The nuts and bolts of classical music –– from rhythm to harmonic progression

Plus, Classical Music For Dummies comes complete with a CD containing over 60 minutes of masterpieces compiled especially for the book. The CD also includes a demo version of the Angel/EMI Classics For Dummies^TM multimedia interface to try out on your Windows–based PC or Macintosh computer.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #73479 in Books
• Published on: 1997-08-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

From the Back Cover
Features tips on how to start a classical music collection

Discover how much fun classical music can be!

Are you baffled by Bach? Bewildered by Beethoven? Befuddled by Brahms? Relax! This friendly, funny, easy–to–understand guide gives you the score on composers, instruments, orchestras, concerts, recordings, and more – and shows you just how enjoyable and rewarding classical music can be.

More than 60 minutes of music, including excerpts from Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier

• Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 • Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 • Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 • Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and more from recordings by Ian Hobson, pianist and conductor, Sinfonia da Camera and Sinfonia Varsovia

Plus MP3 versions of the excerpts you can play on your PC, Mac, or portable player

Discover how to:

• Distinguish the different styles of classical music
• Attend a live concert in style
• Know the instruments in an orchestra
• Understand rhythm, intervals, and other fundamentals
• Build a fabulous classical music library

About the Author
David Pogue studied music at Yale and has been a conductor on Broadway. He is a bestselling author and New York Times columnist.
Scott Speck, an award–winning music director and conductor, has led symphony orchestras from coast to coast and around the world.

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Customer Reviews

A Great Introduction!
I got this book a few years ago, as I knew that I liked some kinds of classical music, but otherwise I didn't have the faintest idea! It helped me understand which musical styles/composers I liked the most (thanks to the CD included), and motivated me to explore classical music further. It is written in an amusing and accessible manner that is perfect for absolute beginners. I do not complain about the lack of depth, as it is meant to be an introductory book. Very enjoyable!

Inspiring
This book was my first introduction to classical music. Although it doesn't assume any prior knowledge it still gives plenty of technical details. I'm inspired to continue discovering more about the classical music world.

Good basic advice
Brought this to help me understand classical music better. Well laid out, and easy to read. The CD that comes with it is good to.