The Essential Companion to Composers and Their Music
Suitable for beginners and committed enthusiasts alike, an A-Z reference to classical music which contains composer biographies, a list of essential works by each composer, and cross-referencing to similar pieces. Includes charts that help to place artists in their society and period, as well as making the links between composers.
"Music is the medicine of the soul, says Robin Ray. Yet music cannot exist by itself, it must have people, not only to write but to perform it and to listen to it, as this enthralling collection demonstrates over and over again. From letters, record sleeves, diaries, biographies, newspapers and magazines, and countless anecdotes, you will find here pieces about operas and symphonies, jazz and film music, composers, conductors, performers and critics; stories of love, of poverty and destitution, arrogance and despair, success and failure..."--Book jacket.