Classical Music by Phil G. Goulding Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Classical Music
Book Review: A must have
Summary: 5 Stars
I have had this book for a number of years and I still go back to it for very valuable suggestions on what CD to buy next. This book is a must-have for anyone who has the slightest interest in classical music, and for those who are serious enough to build their very own classical music library. We all know that classical music is an acquired taste. Nobody likes this stuff from birth (except perhaps Mozart or Mendelssohn) but Phil Goulding will surely convince you to plunge into this worderful world of "organized music".Book Review: Blatantly false
Summary: 1 Stars
How much can I trust an author who does not know the nationalities of the composers? To be correct: Mozart (on the Austrian coins), Haydn, Schubert, Strauss, Mahler, and Bruckner were Austrians. Beethoven and Brahms worked there (Vienna). Sorry, one star.Book Review: Buy This For Yourself (and then a copy for your friends)
Summary: 5 Stars
That is what I have done. I bought the hardcopy back on 1994 and it was just an absolute revelation. I had been keen to tackle the rather daunting realm of classical music for some time but to be honest I did not know where to start, and no framework upon which to build up a working knowledge of what I might like and dislike. I had no idea where Wagner and Strauss and Brahms fit relative to Handel, Bach or Haydn.
As soon as I picked up this book and read the introduction I knew I was in the right place. This is a book written from the perspective of someone who loves music, and knows a great deal about it, but never talks down to the neophyte or over their heads. The general text is extremely helpful and humourous and contains a lot more insight than could be expected form an overview type of book. To me music has always had an element of excitement as the thrill of discovery of a new lifelong friend in each 'classic' discovered. Mr Goulding captures that excitement and never allows the weight of expert opinion to weigh down his enjoyment of many pieces derided by familiarity in many other publications. The title itself is a challenge to the refined sensibilities of the music snob who go pale and faint at the audacity of this man. Make no mistake this is a fantastic introduction to a vast range of composers and their work pulled of with wit and authority. To date, I have purchased 6 copies as gifts and without exception all recipients have loved it. Right now I am about to order his book on the OperaBook Review: Enter classical music through the front door!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book succeeds both as an idea and as a text. Let me explain. The author's idea before he began was to put together a one-volume, easily-readable work that would allow a curious adult beginner to enter into, and then to understand and enjoy, the world of classical music. This was a lofty plan. Happily, the book is a triumph.Phil Goulding is one of these people who are smart and charming, but not too show-offy smart and not too adorably cute. So the writing at all times is clear, compact, and interesting. It's an easy and fun read.
The book begins by justifying itself: Goulding explains why the format of the book is to discuss, in sequence, who he ranks as the 50 greatest composers of all time. After a few pages of music theory (not too boring, actually), we move on to the composers' profiles. These are great. Introduced by a black-and-white illustration of each master, we get a few paragraphs of biography, then a discussion of the particular artist's genius, some anecdotes, and finally a VERY handy list of what works we might want to listen to from that composer's pen. There are actually three lists: a beginner's list, an intermediate list, and then a be-all, end-all list for completists.
That's the long and short of this clever 600-page book. It's definitely not a college textbook, nor treatise on classical music. It is, however, a light, interesting, juicy look at classical music, brimming with fascinating observations and behind-the-scenes factoids. A bit gimmicky, but very enjoyable and useful.
Book Review: Entertaining, Highly Informative Introduction
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a very informative book on the development of music, the orchestra, instruments, as well as on and about the music of 50 composers chosen by a self-professed amateur after careful review. It is a book to which millions could turn again and again, and is specifically helpful in suggesting particular recordings to buy, and why. The book is also VERY populist - that makes it fun, but it also forces composers into categories then into rankings. I'm sure there are those who would screech at the pinning down of a great composer (e.g., "Mr. X is 3rd best Austrian serialist" or "Mr. Y is France's third best composer in counterpoint"!). The book in that sense falls to a weakness to an award and ranking system that just seems inconsistent with art.
The book is however VERY informative, fun, and creates an enthusiastic appreciation for music.