The Chronicle of Classical Music: An Intimate Diary of the Lives and Music of the Great Composers

Description

A reference that will bring vividly to life of some of our greatest composers. Taking the form of a chronological diary from 1600 to the present day, it leads the reader through the centuries, year by year, and follows the great composers' overlapping and interweaving lives. It contains details of: the main musical works and events of the year; the life and background of each composer; concurrent historical and artistic events and influences. Carefully cross-referenced with the chronological data are a series of special features discussing in detail the key works, influences on musical form and performance, the changing working conditions and status of the musicians, and the development of musical instruments. The book includes: extracts from original letters and journals; hundreds of illustrations reproducing posters, cartoons, photographs, documents and musical scores; an extensive reference section including biographies, a timeline and a guide to the top recordings and performers.

Alan Kendall was a Choral Scholar at King's College, Cambridge, continuing his music studies with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. He is the author of some twenty books, mostly on music, including the four volume Heritage of Music, which he co-edited with Michael Raeburn.