The harmony illustrated encyclopedia of classical music : an essential guide to the world's finest music / Peter Gammond.
| Author/creator | Gammond, Peter |
| Format | Book |
| Edition | All-new second edition. |
| Publication Info | New York, NY : Harmony Books, 1989, ©1988. |
| Description | 224 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 30 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | Introduction -- Part one: the orchestra. The growth of the orchestra ; The great orchestras ; The rise and role of the conductor ; The great conductors ; The great symphonies ; The great concertos ; The great orchestral works ; The great ballets -- Part two: the opera. A history of opera ; Popular operas ; Leading opera singers ; Conducting opera ; Great opera houses -- Part three: the composer. How the composer works ; Abstract and programme ; Classical versus modern ; Eastern music ; National music and composers -- Part four: chamber music. What is chamber music? ; The great chamber music compositions ; Great chamber ensembles -- Part five: musical instruments. Modern instruments ; Ancient instruments ; Keyboard instruments ; The organ and its music ; Instrumental music -- Part six: choral & vocal music. Choral music, church and secular ; Great choirs ; The voice ; The world of song ; The great singers (Lieder) ; The accompanist -- Part seven: Medieval & Renaissance music. Medieval music ; Renaissance music ; Ancient instruments and authentic performances -- Part eight: reading & using music. The elements of music -- Part nine: recorded music. Music and the gramophone. |
| Abstract | This encyclopedia is the essential classical music reference book, packed with enough information to satisfy the most knowledgeable music lover and lavishly illustrated with more than three hundred photos, line drawings, scores, and maps. This comprehensive volume is arranged by subject so that readers can easily investigate whichever areas interest them most. The book begins with an explanation of the orchestra, with complete descriptions of the various instruments, the different parts of the orchestra, the great orchestras of the world, and an explanation of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into mounting a performance. Opera is explored in full, including a survey of the most popular works and brief biographies of the greatest singers. A section on composers features biographies of one hundred great composers and a guide to their masterworks, including recommendations of the best recordings on CD as well as record and tape. The author also highlights musical forms, including symphonies, concertos, opera, chamber music, and choral music, with special sections on early music and American orchestras. For answering quick factual questions or exploring major areas of the musical world, this book is the single most useful one-volume reference music for lovers of the world's greatest music. |
| General note | Originally published: The encyclopedia of classical music. Great Britain : Salamander Books, 1988. |
| General note | 300 illustrations, 400 entries. |
| General note | Includes index. |
| LCCN | 88023750 |
| ISBN | 0517570947 |
| ISBN | 9780517570944 |