Music surrounds us, adding emotion, color, and meaning to our everyday lives. This book invites you on a journey through the history of Western music, introducing over eighty composers whose lives and work helped shape the soundscape of our world. From ancient instruments and early compositions to modern musical theater, you will explore how music evolved, how an orchestra works, and what makes a song memorable. With fascinating stories, musical vocabulary, and QR codes linking to curated listening selections, this richly illustrated guide brings the world of music and its most inspiring creators to life.
Book of Composers is more than a history of dates and facts, but a glimpse into the humanity, the beauty, and the struggles of these extraordinary men and women. The whole piece is engaging, beginning with the foreword. Families will be able to share this resource together with much enjoyment while gaining understanding and respect for the music that has shaped us.”
—Barbara Weatherill, musician, parent, educator
Music is everywhere. It adds color, emotion, drama, and comfort to our days. As human beings, we are intrinsically musical creations. Have you ever wondered about the people who wrote and created your favorite songs? Would you like to know how an orchestra works? You are holding in your hands a book that will take you on a musical journey through the history of western musical composition, introducing you to the men and women who wrote the songs that mark our days. Over eighty composers appear in this book with biographical information, interesting personal stories, and narratives. You will learn how they shaped music and access QR codes throughout the book to listen to musical selections.
Tracing musical and compositional development from the ancient world up through contemporary musical theater, this book focuses on the western musical tradition, introducing readers to ancient musical instruments from around the world, explaining instrument classification, demonstrating how an orchestra works, and introducing musical vocabulary and song structures. You will read about a composer from Persia who shaped Spanish guitar music as well as the well-known greats like Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. You will be transported to a prisoner camp in World War II where a composer debuted a new work along with three fellow prisoners. You’ll sit in on a discussion between two men who knew and worked with some of the most dynamic composers.
The world of music is one full of interesting characters, surprising stories, and, of course, incredible music, and this book is your guide!
