What to Listen for in Music Summary and Reviews

What to Listen for in Music
by Aaron Copland

What to Listen for in Music
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Book Summary Information

Author: Aaron Copland
Foreword: Alan Rich
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-11-05
ISBN: 0451528670
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Signet Classics

Book Reviews of What to Listen for in Music

Book Review: A good introduction to classical music
Summary: 4 Stars

Given the complexity of classical music, it is not surprising that many people find it confusing and intimidating. With all those terms like "sonata-allegro form" and "contrapuntal texture", it's easy to feel intimidated when trying to make sense of an hour long symphony. Fortunately, Aaron Copland does a good job explaining the basics of how music is structured.

This book covers music, specifically classical music, from several different angles. These include the sensual, expressive, and musical aspects, but also the way elements like rhythm, harmony, and melody interact to form music. Copland also covers musical texture from simple unaccompanied melodies to the complexities of counterpoint.

Copland also gives a basic overview of the history of classical music and how it evolved from unaccompanied religious chants to organum to counterpoint and accompanied melodies. He also mentions how composers do their work and his perspectives and experiences with composition.

On the negative side, the book is very dated, to say the least, refering to 30s era records and "the rhythm-based music of savage tribesmen". However, that shouldn't stop

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