His fascinating exploration takes you inside the rich music and colorful lives of the world’s greatest classical composers. From Bach to Stravinsky and beyond, you will learn how the unique life stories of these gifted composers are reflected in the musical masterpieces that we enjoy to this day. Designed as an introductory book on classical music, this comprehensive collection presents biographical snapshots of the major composers in the context of distinct historical and stylistic periods and in relation to their notable contemporaries. Special attention is given to recognizing their prominent musical works. The book delineates the many forms of instrumental and vocal music; and it explores the “basics” of tonality, musical structure, performance criteria, the orchestra and its instruments, orchestration, chamber music, and the cataloguing of musical works. As well, the newcomer to classical music will find advice on building a musical library. This book is an excellent source of information about classical music in a unique and entertaining format. It will help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of classical music, through the great musical heritage of these fine composers.

Basically it is about the foremost composers of the past and present (seventy-eight in number) and their music. Here will be found exhaustive biographies not only of the giant figures but also of secondary composers about whombiographical and critical material is not so readily accessible; thirty contemporaries are include din the gallery of composers, among them seven representataive Americans.

" ... helps students relate to some of the foremost composers of the past and present, cultivate an early taste for good music, and invite[s] students to compose on their own."--Jacket.

The world's finest composers take center stage in this singular collection of ready-to-color illustrations. Music appreciation and imagination go hand-in-hand with 30 images featuring Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Debussy, Gershwin, and other musical masters.