
Language of the Spirit
An Introduction to Classical Music
Jan Swafford(Author)
Basic Civitas Books (Publisher)
Published on 11. April 2017
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-0-465-09754-8 (ISBN)
Description
A preeminent composer, music scholar, and biographer presents an engaging and accessible introduction to classical music
For many of us, classical music is something serious -- something we study in school, something played by cultivated musicians at fancy gatherings. In Language of the Spirit, renowned music scholar Jan Swafford argues that we have it all wrong: classical music has something for everyone and is accessible to all. Ranging from Gregorian chant to Handel's Messiah, from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons to the postmodern work of Philip Glass, Swafford is an affable and expert guide to the genre. He traces the history of Western music, introduces readers to the most important composers and compositions, and explains the underlying structure and logic of their music.
Language of the Spirit is essential reading for anyone who has ever wished to know more about this sublime art.
For many of us, classical music is something serious -- something we study in school, something played by cultivated musicians at fancy gatherings. In Language of the Spirit, renowned music scholar Jan Swafford argues that we have it all wrong: classical music has something for everyone and is accessible to all. Ranging from Gregorian chant to Handel's Messiah, from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons to the postmodern work of Philip Glass, Swafford is an affable and expert guide to the genre. He traces the history of Western music, introduces readers to the most important composers and compositions, and explains the underlying structure and logic of their music.
Language of the Spirit is essential reading for anyone who has ever wished to know more about this sublime art.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
INGRAM PUBLISHER SERVICES US
Product notice
With printed dust jacket
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 32 mm
Weight
441 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-465-09754-8 (9780465097548)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
04/2017
Basic Books
€15.99
Available for download
Person
Jan Swafford is a preeminent composer and music scholar and the author of bestselling The Vintage Guide to Classical Music. A regular contributor to Slate, the Guardian, and the Boston Globe and a former professor of composition at the Boston Conservatory, Swafford lives in Medford, Massachusetts.