Classical Music For Dummies

Learn to:

Distinguish the different styles of classical music Explore composers, instruments, orchestras, concerts, recordings, and more Build a fabulous classical music library

The fun and easy way to get the score on classical music

Haydn, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, oh, my! In this beginner′s guide to classical music, you′ll discover how Bach is different from Beethoven and how Mozart is different still. Plus, you′ll be introduced to a wealth of classical composers and their work and figure out just how enjoyable and rewarding classical music can be.

In the beginning... get an easily digestible history of music and discover how the Classical style and those that came before and after it came to be Cogs in the wheel uncover the role and intricacies of rhythm, pitch, intervals, harmony, tempo, dynamics, and more and how they work together to make beautiful music Strings attached get the lowdown on what makes up a classical orchestra, from keyboards, strings, and woodwinds to percussion and top (and bottom) brass Arrive in style find the guidance you need to take the intimidation out of attending a classical music concert, from knowing where to sit, what to wear, and when to clap and everything in between

Open the book and find:

Plain–English explanations of the different styles of classical music The major classical composers and their famous works Everything you need to know about rhythm, intervals, and other fundamentals Tips on building an impressive classical music library The ten most common misconceptions about classical music The who′s who of today′s up–and–coming composers

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Classical Music 5

Chapter 1: Prying Open the Classical Music Oyster 7

Chapter 2: The Entire History of Music in 80 Pages 13

Chapter 3: Knowing How to Spot a Sonata 91

Part II: Listen Up! 111

Chapter 4: Dave n Scott s E ]Z Concert Survival Guide 113

Chapter 5: For Your Listening Pleasure 137

Intermission: Taking a Backstage Tour 159

Part III: A Field Guide to the Orchestra 177

Chapter 6: Keyboards & Co 179

Chapter 7: Strings Attached 191

Chapter 8: Gone with the Woodwinds 209

Chapter 9: The Top (and Bottom) Brass 223

Chapter 10: Percussion s Greatest Hits 235

Part IV: Peeking into the Composer s Brain 247

Chapter 11: The Dreaded Music Theory Chapter 249

Chapter 12: Once More, with Feeling: Tempo, Dynamics, and Orchestration 289

Part V: The Part of Tens 297

Chapter 13: The Ten Most Common Misconceptions about Classical Music 299

Chapter 14: The Ten Best Musical Terms for Cocktail Parties 305

Chapter 15: Ten Great Classical Music Jokes 311

Chapter 16: Ten Ways to Get More Music in Your Life 317

Part VI: The Appendixes 325

Appendix A: Starting a Classical Music Collection 327

Appendix B: Classical Music Timeline 333

Appendix C: Glossary 341

Index 347

David Pogue studied music at Yale and has been a conductor on Broadway and worked as a columnist at the New York Times.
Scott Speck, an award–winning music director and conductor, has led symphony orchestras from coast to coast and around the world.