Everything you always wanted to know about classical music: but were too afraid to ask

Description

For readers who are unsure of the difference between an alto and a contralto, wonder exactly when to applaud at a concert, or aren't even sure what musicthey should be listening to in the first place, this is the perfect guide All too often, potential classical musiclistenersare put off due to its perceived elitism. This book gleefully dispels this notion and many others as it works brilliantly to make classical music not only accessible, but also disarmingly simple and utterly engrossing. It is broken intothree sections designed to steer readersthrough the terminology and etiquette of classical music; open the fascinating history of the genre and its key figures over the lastthousand years, showing their sheer brilliance coupled with their very human natures; and provide an indispensible reference guide for any reader, whetherthey prefertraditional chamber music or sweeping film scores.