Classical Composers

Based on 10 years of research and a vast cache of primary sources located in archives in Warsaw, Paris, London, New York, and Washington, D.C., Alan Walker's monumental Fryderyk Chopin: A Life and Times is the most comprehensive biography of the great Polish composer to appear in English in more than a century. Walker's work is a corrective biography, intended to dispel the many myths and legends that continue to surround Chopin.

In the sublime embrace of a bygone era, where time waltzed to the cadence of delicate notes and orchestras whispered tales of grandeur, the Classical Period was poised to unveil its opulent tapestry. Picture a world where each musical phrase was a brushstroke, painting symphonies that echoed through the hallowed halls of history. This, dear reader, is the harmonic dawn, an epoch where genius and melody entwined in a dance that would echo for centuries. As we step into this celestial realm, let the overture of the past stir your soul, for the Classical Period beckons, and its melodies are ...

Introduced with more than 90 biographical entries that trace the friendships, loves, and rivalries that inspired each musical genius and their work. Profiles offer revealing insights into what drove each individual to create the musical masterpieces - symphonies, concertos and operatic scores -...

The original edition of this revered and authorized Queen biography explored every aspect of the legendary group’s career from inception to 1992. Newly revised and updated with cooperation and insight from Brian May and Roger Taylor—and drawing on exclusive interviews with the bandmembers—this book completes the story of the Mercury era and the immediate years after his death.

An exploration into the question of greatness from the Chief Classical Music Critic of the New York Times When he began to listen to the great works of classical music as a child, Anthony Tommasini had many questions. Why did a particular piece move him? How did the music work? Over time, he...

Classical Music for the Modern Listener: Breaking Down Barriers to the Great Composers Unlock the world of classical music like never before! Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone who’s long been intrigued by the timeless beauty of classical compositions, Classical Music for the Modern Listener is your ultimate guide to understanding, enjoying, and connecting with the world’s greatest music. In this accessible, engaging book, you’ll discover how classical music evolved, how to listen to its many forms, and how you can experience it more deeply—without feeling overwhelmed by...

Did you ever wonder: What kind of world Beethoven was born into? What did he think about the French Revolution? Did he ever find love? and What caused him to go deaf at such a tragically early age?Find the answers to these and many more questions about the most revolutionary musician of his time in Classical Giants: Beethoven. Written by a children’s author and mother of four in response to the lack of accessible but informative music history books on the market, Classical Giants brings to life with fascinating anecdotes and witty illustrations the most famous composers in history, ...

In this fascinating analysis of how to listen to both contemporary and classical music analytically, eminent American composer Aaron Copland offers provocative suggestions that will bring listeners a deeper appreciation of the most viscerally rewarding of all art forms.

Did you know that: Handel was known to those who loved him as ‘the Great Bear.’ He was almost killed by his best friend in a duel. Although he had no children of his own, he was a great supporter of children’s charities. Despite being German by birth, he was buried with full State honours in Westminster Abbey. Learn these and more fascinating facts about this well-loved Baroque composer and honorary Brit, in Classical Giants: Handel. Classical Giants brings to life the most famous composers in history, introducing them to children as real characters who lived and breathed on a real ...

Did you know that: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture famously includes the use of real cannon fire Tchaikovsky's ballet "Swan Lake" in 1877 was initially met with mixed reviews Tchaikovsky was an accomplished conductor and travelled extensively to conduct his own works “The Nutcracker” did not gain widespread popularity until after Tchaikovsky’s death Find out about these and many more fascinating events that shaped the life of one of Russia’s most influential Romantic composers in, Classical Giants: Tchaikovsky. Classical Giants brings to life the most famous composers in history, ...

What makes a symphony a masterpiece? Why do certain symphonies continue to move audiences centuries after they were composed? The Anatomy of a Symphony takes you deep into the heart of the greatest orchestral works ever written, unlocking their structure, meaning, and emotional power. From Haydn’s groundbreaking classical forms to Beethoven’s revolutionary intensity, from the rich storytelling of Tchaikovsky to the daring innovations of modern symphonists, this book explores the evolution of the symphony and the genius behind its creation. With clear, engaging explanations, you’ll ...

Did you ever ask yourself: Did Mozart really write Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star aged 5? Who were Mozart’s greatest friends and enemies? Is it true that his biggest rival stole his work? and Why was he buried in a pauper’s grave? Find the answers to these and many more questions about one of the most well-loved musicians of all time in, Classical Giants: Mozart. Classical Giants brings to life the most famous composers in history, introducing them to children as real characters who lived and breathed on a real historical timeline. Take your child on a journey of discovery to learn, not ...

You may not have heard of English composer Thomas Tallis, but he was just as important to Renaissance music as Beethoven and Mozart were to the Classical era. He was a pretty interesting chap, too! Did you know: Thomas Tallis’ wrote music for four of the five Tudor kings and queens He had to hide his Catholic faith to avoid persecution by the Church Almost all of his music is written to be sung without instruments In later life, he was one of only two people allowed to print music in England! Find the answers to these and many more questions about one of the greatest composers of early ...

Did you know that: Elgar was not just a composer: he was also an amateur chemist! Elgar was the first composer to champion recorded music Elgar loved cycling, and had a bicycle called ‘Mr. Phoebus’ Elgar came to hate his most famous work Find out about these and many more interesting facts about one of England’s most celebrated composers in, Classical Giants: Elgar. Classical Giants brings to life the most famous composers in history, introducing them to children as real characters who lived and breathed on a real historical timeline. Take your child on a journey of discovery to learn...

Music, intoxication, and betrayal combine in this “immersive, impassioned” (The Guardian) debut novel inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà, a Venetian orphan and violin prodigy who studied under Antonio Vivaldi and ultimately became his star musician—and his biggest muse...

The author of the critically acclaimed Your Favorite Band is Killing Me offers an eye-opening and frank assessment of the state of classic rock, assessing its past and future, the impact it has had, and what it’s loss would mean to an industry, a culture, and a way of life. Since the late...

Focus on more than 40 obscure composers from 18th century Classical Period and 20th century Neoclassical, drawn from Obscure Composers series, volumes 1, 2, and 3.

In clear and entertaining prose, Plotkin explores a thousand years of music, introduces listeners to more than 100 great works, and profiles in depth many significant composers, including Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, Dvoxak, and Mahler. He describes all the musical instruments in the orchestra, defines major musical terms, and makes music theory comprehensible for the uninitiated. There are also conversations with important musicians who offer fascinating insights about their art.

In a book that inspired the Amazon original series starring Gael Garcia Bernal and Malcolm McDowell, oboist Blair Tindall recounts her decades-long professional career as a classical musician, from the recitals and Broadway orchestra performances to the secret life of musicians who survive hand to mouth in the backbiting New York classical music scene, trading sexual favors for plum jobs and assignments in orchestras across the city.

THE FORGOTTEN COMPOSERS: Musical Geniuses Who Disappeared from History is a captivating exploration of the overlooked figures who shaped the classical music landscape. From revolutionary symphonic innovators to pioneering women and artists silenced by political oppression, this book highlights the composers whose works once dazzled audiences but have since faded into obscurity. Through compelling narratives and in-depth profiles, the book uncovers the stories of these forgotten geniuses, from Ruth Crawford Seeger’s avant-garde vision to Mieczysław Weinberg’s bold symphonies, and from ...