CLASSICAL COMPOSERS by PETER GAMMOND (consultant and principal author)
TIGER BOOKS International
ISBN 1-85501-604-4hardcover, 208pp.
32cm x 24cm
c. over 300 photographs & illustrations
published 1994by Chia Han-Leon
This beautifully-illustrated book is a very helpful resource for any classical music enthusiast, whether novice or expert. It deals with a surprisingly wide range of composers, giving each an appropriate share of the book’s pages according to their ‘importance’ (think degree of canonization ...).
The very greatest of composers like Bach, Beethoven, Handel, Mozart, Brahms, Schubert, Sibelius, Verdi and Wagner are given four full pages of write-up and illustrations. And speaking of illustrations, these include superb colour reproductions of related paintings, photographs and some of the most glorious portraits of the composers I have ever seen (just look at the first page for Monteverdi)!
Two pages of concisely written material are provided for other composers, which range from the well-known such as Berlioz, Debussy, Prokofiev, Puccini and Liszt; to relatively much-less popular (but surely not less worthy) composers like Berg, Couperin, Franck, Janácek, Messiaen, Milhaud, Poulenc and Purcell. Some of the close attention paid towards composers of, let us say, "lesser public interest" does suggest strongly that the writers (including the late Christopher Headington) have been allowed to indulge in their personal tastes.
The British bias, evident in publications like Gramophone and the Penguin Guide, is quite obvious although I really cannot blame the Brits for being British. Actually, I think in effect this at least gives the reader access to helpful introductions to some lesser known names.
Indeed, the book’s almost loving generosity towards many lesser known composers constantly astonished me. Even relatively unpopular composers like Cimarosa, Duparc, Lambert, Ireland, J.S. Bach’s sons, Kodály, Penderecki, Rubbra, Szymanowski, Warlock and Arriaga are given at least a few hundred words of introduction.
A chronology of each composer’s life is provided, and the writers must be praised for their attempts to say as much as possible about each composer’s life and music, within the constraints of space. Novices of classical music need not hesitate, as a knowledge of the composer's life, thoughts and methods is essential for a proper appreciation of his/her music. The same applies to the experienced listener, for whom this book is extremely useful for its information on some of the most shamefully and unjustly neglected of composers.
Or you could always buy it for the pictures.
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In Singapore, this book is available at Big Bookshop outlets (Blk 451, Clementi Ave 3, near NTUC Fairprice; Bras Basah Complex) for the incredible giveaway price of only S$19.90. You might also be able to find it at Popular Bookstores (try Bras Basah Complex).
Chia Han-Leon sometimes listens to his two clocks play a ditty while trying to sleep in the wee hours of the morning.
Back to the Classical Index!... or read previous classical music reviews and features at the InkpotOther classical music reviews by this or any other writer can be obtained from the InkVault by doing a key word search with the writer's name.
141: rec.19.11.97. up.5.5.98
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