Created with Naxos, the world’s largest classical music label, NPR Listener’s Encyclopedia of Classical Music is a highly informative and entertaining reference guide.
It provides detailed coverage of composers, works, musical terminology, and performers, along with recommended recordings. You also get access to an interactive Web site that allows readers to listen to sample works, techniques, and performers discussed in the reference.
The encyclopedia contains about 1,500 entries and 1,000 recommended recordings. Entries include biographies (both composers and performers), musical genres (sonata), musical terms (triad), musical instruments (piano), and selected musical works (Carnival of the Animals), as well as assorted other terms related to music (Carnegie Hall).
The sonata form revealed, and why it’s been deeply satisfying for three centuries.
What to listen for in Brahms, a self-described Classicist who was one of music’s great innovators.
Pizzicato, fioritura, parlando, glissando.
The transformative power of Toscanini–who earned more conducting the New York Philharmonic than his contemporary Babe Ruth made with the Yankees.
And throughout, more than 2,000 recommended recordings.
The book includes a unique Web site featuring more than 500 examples cited in the text. Look up barcarolle. First read about its swaying 6/8 meter and Venetian origins; then log on to the music Web site and hear it performed in Act IV of Offenbach’s Les contes d’Hoffmann. If that whets your curiosity about Offenbach, click to hear the cancan in his La vie parisienne. All online samples are marked by an icon in the text.
Buy The NPR Listener’s Encyclopedia of Classical Music on Amazon.
Overall, an excellent reference source for the Classical Music listener.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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