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Musicians Books
Best books
Rossetter G. (Rossetter Gleason) Cole
The art of music, Vol. 06 (of 14) : $b Choral and church music
"The Art of Music, Vol. 06 (of 14): Choral and Church Music" by Rossetter G. Cole is a comprehensive historical survey and reference work written in the early 20th century. It examines the development of choral and church music from early Christian chant through medieval polyphony, the mass, motet, madrigal, cantata, and oratorio, up to then-contemporary practice, also treating the organ and national traditions. The focus is on musical forms, styles, and trends rather than on biographical portraiture, with analyses and classifications of a wide array of works. The opening of the volume sets its method and scope: Cole’s preface explains the need to condense a vast field, privileging the evolution of forms and styles over personalities, and acknowledging omissions (such as hymnology and some contemporaneous church topics) due to space. Frank Damrosch’s introduction frames choral singing as a communal art rooted in both church liturgy and folk-song, outlines its functions and types, and argues for disciplined leadership, singer training, and civic choruses as cultural assets. The first chapter then sketches early church music: the shift from congregational to clerical chant, the rise of the liturgical-musical alliance, and the codification and teaching of Gregorian chant (with Ambrose’s and Gregory’s roles), including sequences and tropes and their later pruning. It traces technical advances—neumes to staff notation, organum to discant to counterpoint (Hucbald, Guido, Franco)—and shows how secular song (troubadours, trouvères, minnesingers, mastersingers) and early forms like the chanson, frottola, and madrigal emerged alongside, highlighted by the English round “Sumer is icumen in.” The narrative closes by emphasizing how folk impulse and freedom in melody gradually influenced art-music, just as the next chapter turns to the polyphonic Netherland tradition.
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Famous composers and their works, Vol. 2
"Famous Composers and Their Works, Vol. 2" by Paine, Klauser, and Thomas is a historical musical account written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses specifically on the life and contributions of notable composers, revealing their artistic journeys and significant works, with an emphasis on Franz Joseph Haydn in the initial chapters. The opening of the work dives into the early life of Franz Joseph Haydn, detailing his humble beginnings in Rohrau, Austria, and his family's background. It discusses his early musical development, the influence of his parents, and significant figures like his cousin Johann Mathias Frankh, who recognized Haydn's talent and facilitated his education. As Haydn moves to Vienna at age eight to join the choir of St. Stephen's Cathedral, the introduction highlights his struggles and determination, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in music amidst adversity and the shaping of his future as a composer.
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Famous composers and their works, Vol. 1
"Famous Composers and Their Works, Vol. 1" by John Knowles Paine, Theodore Thomas, and Karl Klauser is a comprehensive historical account written in the early 20th century. The volume serves as a detailed guide to significant composers from the Netherlands school and beyond, including notable figures such as Orlando di Lasso and Josquin des Prés. It explores their contributions and the evolution of musical art during their times, emphasizing the impact they had on modern music. The opening of the book introduces Orlando di Lasso, highlighting his remarkable upbringing in Mons and the trajectory of his career, which led him to become a leading figure in the Netherlands school of composition. It details Lasso's education, early performances, and eventual rise to prominence as chapel-master in Munich, where he produced many influential works. The text outlines Lasso's prolific nature, technical innovations, and artistic relationships, setting the stage for the exploration of his music and legacy in subsequent sections of the volume.
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The art of music, Vol. 03 (of 14) : $b Modern music
"The Art of Music: Volume Three" is a historical account edited by Edward Burlingame Hill, written in the early 20th century. This volume is part of a comprehensive series that explores the development of music, focusing specifically on the modern period. It discusses key figures such as Berlioz, Chopin, and Wagner, examining their influence and the evolution of various musical styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The opening of this volume lays the groundwork for an in-depth exploration of modern music, emphasizing the significance of transformational composers like Wagner and Liszt. It highlights the transition from the romantic movement, tracing how their innovations shaped the direction of contemporary classical music. The text also introduces notable composers representing various nationalistic styles, discussing their contributions to the orchestral, operatic, and chamber music landscapes.
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Famous composers and their works, Vol. 3
"Famous Composers and their Works, Vol. 3" edited by John Knowles Paine, Theodore Thomas, and Karl Klauser is a collection of biographical sketches focusing on notable composers and their music, written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the lives and contributions of significant composers, providing insights into their artistic journeys and notable compositions. The book likely aims to celebrate the composers' legacies while educating readers about their works. The opening of the volume introduces Joseph Joachim Raff, detailing his early life, education, and struggles before he ultimately finds success in music. It recounts how Raff, despite a lack of formal training and financial challenges, pursued his passion for composition, gaining recognition through the support of established composers like Mendelssohn and Liszt. The narrative highlights key moments in Raff’s career, such as his significant works and collaborations, and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of his musical contributions throughout the rest of the book.
Marion Bauer
How music grew, from prehistoric times to the present day
"How Music Grew from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day" by Marion Bauer and Ethel Peyser is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of music, tracing its development from prehistoric times through various cultures and eras up to the contemporary period. It aims to provide an engaging and accessible introduction to the origins and growth of music across civilizations, making it suitable for readers of all ages. The opening of the book establishes a foundational understanding of music's birth, illustrating a time when early humans lacked language, formal structures, and civilization as we know it. It emphasizes the connection between music, dance, and the daily experiences of prehistoric peoples, suggesting that their initial expressions of music emerged as ritualistic acts to communicate with deities and convey emotions. The authors introduce the concept that movement and sound were essential to early music-making, setting the stage for further exploration of how these primitive practices evolved into the intricate musical systems of later cultures worldwide.
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The art of music, Vol. 04 (of 14) : $b Music in America
"The Art of Music, Vol. 04 (of 14): Music in America" by Daniel Gregory Mason et al. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume explores the evolution of music within the United States, dissecting its cultural heritage, influences, and development from past traditions, particularly European, to its distinct identity as it grows within the context of American democracy. The opening of the work presents a compelling perspective on the state of music in America, emphasizing the importance of understanding the past to appreciate the future of American music. It introduces key themes such as the struggle between appreciation of imported European traditions and the quest for a distinctive American sound influenced by diverse musical cultures, including indigenous music. The author conveys a sense of chaotic transition in the musical landscape, noting that while America has absorbed many influences, the nation's creative musical expression is just beginning to emerge, pointing towards a vibrant and dynamic future shaped by its diverse populace.
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The art of music, Vol. 07 (of 14) : $b Pianoforte and chamber music
"The Art of Music, Volume 07 (of 14), Pianoforte and Chamber Music" by Daniel Gregory Mason is a comprehensive collection of information dedicated to music lovers and musicians, written in the early 20th century. This volume in particular focuses on the history, development, and intricacies of pianoforte and chamber music, detailing how great composers have adapted their techniques to this beloved instrument. The text likely serves as both an educational resource and a reflective exploration of the evolving art of music. The opening of this volume begins with the transcriber's notes explaining the formatting for the text, including how musical examples are represented in different formats. Following this is a preface that sets the stage for the content, with the editor stating that while a detailed history is not the aim, the chapters will reflect the contributions of masters to the art of pianoforte and chamber music through the ages. A particular emphasis is placed on composers like Beethoven and Chopin, and how they innovatively utilized the pianoforte and chamber formats to express a range of emotions and complexities in their work. The introduction further discusses chamber music's essence, highlighting its intimacy and the skill required for performance, marking it as a divine form of musical expression distinct from larger orchestral compositions.
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The art of music, Vol. 05 (of 14) : $b The voice and vocal music
"The Art of Music, Vol. 05 (of 14): The Voice and Vocal Music" edited by Daniel Gregory Mason et al. is a scholarly work focusing on the discipline of vocal music, written in the early 20th century. This volume serves as an extensive resource addressing the complexities of singing, including the anatomy of the vocal apparatus, methods of vocal training, and the significance of song in human culture. Through various sections, it emphasizes the importance of music education and the role of the human voice as a unique and powerful instrument. At the start of this volume, the introductory notes highlight the transformative power of music, particularly vocal music, in enhancing human experience and wellness. It discusses the societal perception of music, advocating for a greater appreciation of the vocal arts and calling for comprehensive education in singing from an early age. The introductory chapter lays the foundation by explaining the anatomy of the vocal organs and the importance of proper vocal technique, setting the stage for more detailed exploration of vocal cultivation methods in subsequent chapters.
Romain Rolland
Musiciens d'autrefois
"Musiciens d'autrefois" by Romain Rolland is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the history and significance of music, particularly focusing on opera and its evolution throughout different eras. The text is likely to appeal to those interested in music history, arts, and cultural analysis. At the start of "Musiciens d'autrefois," the author introduces the pivotal role music plays in the broader tapestry of history and culture. Rolland emphasizes the often-overlooked depth of musical history, positioning music as a vital expression of the human spirit that reflects societal values, emotions, and transformations. He critiques the historical narrative that has sidelined music in favor of more tangible arts, while establishing a connection between music and other art forms, highlighting how they influence one another. Rolland's examination urges readers to appreciate the intricate relationships between music, literature, and societal changes, setting the stage for a more thorough exploration of opera and its predecessors in subsequent chapters.
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The art of music. Vol. 01 (of 14) : $b The pre-Classic periods
"The Art of Music: Vol. 01 (of 14), A Narrative History of Music. Book 1, The Pre-Classic Periods" edited by Daniel Gregory Mason is a comprehensive historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume serves as an introduction to the narrative history of music, exploring its origins and development through significant periods and styles up until the pre-classical era. The work likely aims to provide insights into the evolution of musical forms and practices as well as the influential figures within the music world. At the start of this extensive volume, the introduction lays the groundwork for the exploration of music as an art form, distinguishing it from other visual arts and discussing the innate human desire for order and expression. Readers are informed about the initial stages of music, beginning with primitive forms, the early civilizations that influenced musical practices, and the importance of rhythm, melody, and harmony. The book promises to delve into the intricacies of musical development, including early European choral music and the rise of polyphony, setting the stage for a richly detailed narrative that will guide both music lovers and practitioners through the historical landscape of music.
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The art of music, Vol. 02 (of 14) : $b Classicism and Romanticism
"The Art of Music, Vol. 02 (of 14), A Narrative History of Music" is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume, edited by Daniel Gregory Mason, focuses on the development of music during the Classicism and Romanticism periods, exploring the transformative impact of composers like Beethoven, Schubert, Wagner, and Brahms on musical language and expression. The opening of this volume provides an overview of the transition from polyphonic traditions to a new musical language characterized by melody and harmony. It describes the shift towards more expressive forms in music, particularly highlighting the importance of the symphony, sonata, and opera during this era. The text outlines how composers began to reflect personal emotions and social sentiments in their works, breaking away from previous conventions that linked music primarily to the church or aristocratic patronage. By introducing influential figures and defining historical contexts, the introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of music's evolution throughout the volume.
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