The Beatles (20th Century Composers)
by Allan Kozinn

List Price: $24.95
Our Price: $7.49
You Save: $17.46 (70%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $0.44 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of The Beatles (20th Century Composers)

Book Review: A Great Analysis Of The Beatles Work As Serious Musicians
Summary: 5 Stars

I've read approx. 15-20 books on the Beatles, and as a composer myself, this is the most interesting I've read. Why? Because the author understands *music*, and the structure of compositions. This is clear from the very beginning.

He only focuses on the Beatle's "story" as subtext to the changes in their music. So don't expect lots of arguments pro / con McCartney taking over the band with Sgt. Pepper's, whether Ono REALLY broke up the Beatles (she didn't - that's naive and awfully simplistic).

These events / changes are only background fodder for discussing the music. I find that incredibly refreshing.

So what you can expect is what makes the harmonies sound so amazing, or rhythmic influences, compositional trends, growth in lyric-writing, depth of instrumentation, the musical contributions of George Martin, etc.

And I've read the previous reviews posted here, and have to say: This author isn't pro-Lennon and anti-McCartney. Even while complimenting a particular Lennon melody, he writes words to the effect, "...which is interesting because Lennon is not known for being a great melodist, at least not as long as McCartney is around."

He also references the fact that McCartney was (by far) the best musician in the group, and also a better lead guitarist than Harrison, although he says it as gently as possible.

The reality is that Lennon led the Beatles for the first few years, with McCartney assuming more and more responsibility circa Rubber Soul, and really taking over with Sgt. Pepper, as Lennon could no longer be bothered with being the leader anymore. Towards the end there was a real struggle to maintain the vision of the Beatles that each person had - and their visions were different. So there was a clash (beginning with the White Album, most likely), and that never strayed far from the studio I'm sure. And this book does reflect that reality - but it doesn't make judgments either way. Nor should it - it's irrelevant to the discussion at hand: The musical revolution taking place in Studio 2 at Abbey Road.

Personally, I am an admirer of both writers / singers for their individual talents and abilities, and I think this book reflects on their musical contributions to the 20th century rather well.

A must for aspiring music writers / critics, musicians and composers.

Curiously, I would say Beatlemania-type fans need not apply; there are real biographies out there with loads of stories & trivia - this book is a serious review of what made the music so new, and original, so historically important. It treats the Beatles as if they belong in the same breath as Bernstein, Monk, Ellington, Porter, Wagner, Schubert, etc. If that's what interests you, this book is DEFINITELY for you.

Music Books

• Books > Subjects > Arts & Photography
• Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Entertainers
• Humor & Entertainment > Pop Culture > Beatles