Music is a language that speaks the endless tongue of time. Since music is timeless, understanding the language of music comes with many benefits. It is always fascinating for both performers and listeners to explore the world of music composers and orchestral instruments. Here are some of the best Music Books that provide insight into the lives of some of the most famous composers of all time, as well as the instruments that bring their compositions to life.
- The Lives of the Great Composers – Harold C. Schonberg Readers will find introductory information about the lives and accomplishments of composers from the Baroque through the twentieth-century eras. Schonberg, a former music critic for The New York Times, intersperses brief biographies with analyses of their works and the circumstances under which they were created. This book is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in a sneak peek into how these musical titans developed.
- The Classical Style In this accessible yet profound book, legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein examines the characteristics of classical music through the lens of three composers: Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Bernstein’s love for music translates into his work as he explains complex ideas with clarity. Using oral histories and musical illustrations, this book encourages readers to rediscover the development of orchestral music and its key figures, making it suitable for both laypersons and music enthusiasts.
- Part III: Listening to Music by Aaron Copland Composed by one of America’s favorite composers, this listener’s manual covers aspects of music including melody, harmony, and musical form with a focus on orchestration. Copland’s emphasis helps readers decode the orchestral tone and larger forms of orchestral music. It is a valuable read for those looking to elevate their listening experience, interspersed with insights that prove insightful.
- The Orchestra: Very Short Introductions by D. Kern Holoman, Oxford University Press This concise book is ideal for anyone seeking an overview of the orchestra. It familiarizes readers with the families of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, as well as roles such as the conductor and the history of orchestras in general.
- The Oxford History of Western Music by Karl Geiringer This volume offers a broad historical foundation for understanding and generalizes Western Music Curriculum Development up to the current century. It is enticing and informative, enriched by the extensive sources Geiringer used and the narrative approach he employs. The focus extends beyond composers to the development of musical forms and instruments.
- Instrumentation of the Orchestra by Joseph Haydn and David G. Baker This detailed book explains the roles and specific parts each member of the orchestra plays, including their history, operation, and specific roles in orchestras and music. While it serves as an excellent resource for understanding orchestration and the details of instrumental contributions, it is particularly useful for technically inclined readers.
- The Story of Classical Music by Andrew Burn Burn carefully selects topics and presents them in a manner that captivates potential readers. As a music producer with a diverse background, he makes the journey through the major periods of classical music both informative and engaging by focusing on the aspects that celebrate classical music as a great tradition.
In a Nutshell: Diving into the world of music composers and orchestral instruments is both rewarding and exciting. The books listed here are perfect for providing biographical insights, historical context, and technical information. They serve as excellent tools for better appreciating the genius behind iconic compositions or understanding the sounds that drive the orchestra. For those new to music, these books make great starting points for beginners. For further exploration, the My Music Journal website offers more information about this timeless art. Happy reading and listening!