Rating: 
Summary: Everything you ever wanted to know about classical music ...
Review: ... but were afraid to ask. Employing the same straightforward language and sophsticated humor that characterize his commentaries on NPR's "Performance Today," Miles Hoffman opens a window on understanding many of the concepts (both popular and obscure) that musicians take for granted. He also translates much of the jargon (English, Italian, French, whatever) that can make classical music less accessible.I can't think of any other reference work I've read (or even wanted to read) cover-to-cover. Buy this book and save a couple of years worth of music school (not to mention probably laughing a whole lot more)!
Rating: 
Summary: an inexpensive introductory reference
Review: I am a fan of Miles Hoffmann's engaging and educational "Coming to Terms" segment on NPR's "Performance Today," and this companion-style book provides an excellent source to follow with. It is like a paperback musical glossary that defines the broadest ideas and terms within the classical music world, in language that is easily understood. You will not see as much detail within the entries as you would find, say, in the thrice-as-expensive "Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians" (my reference of choice), nor will you find as much enthusiasm for classical music as you would encounter in Karl Haas's "Inside Music," two factors which make the NPR book a bit middle-of-the-road. Nevertheless, given its size, price, and approachable contents, I would recommend this guide as THE reference (glossary/dictionary) to use for anyone new to classical music.
Rating:
Summary: an inexpensive introductory reference
Review: I am a fan of Miles Hoffmann's engaging and educational "Coming to Terms" segment on NPR's "Performance Today," and this companion-style book provides an excellent source to follow with. It is like a paperback musical glossary that defines the broadest ideas and terms within the classical music world, in language that is easily understood. You will not see as much detail within the entries as you would find, say, in the thrice-as-expensive "Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians" (my reference of choice), nor will you find as much enthusiasm for classical music as you would encounter in Karl Haas's "Inside Music," two factors which make the NPR book a bit middle-of-the-road. Nevertheless, given its size, price, and approachable contents, I would recommend this guide as THE reference (glossary/dictionary) to use for anyone new to classical music.
Rating:
Summary: This book is compulsively readable, witty, and learned.
Review: If you like music, you'll love this book! Imagine that a wise and talkative friend, who clearly loves music himself and has a sparkling sense of humor, has undertaken to patiently and clearly explain to you what musical terms mean and why they're important. The Classical Music Companion has the tone that that friendly, well-informed voice would take. This is a compulsively readable, well-organized, beautifully laid out work that can be approached on many levels - it's suitable for "laypeople" or musicians - and that never talks down to its audience. I read this book with great enjoyment and I recommend it wholeheartedly. It's a mandatory addition for the library of anyone who cares about music and wants to know more about its mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: A one-stop resource for classical music questions
Review: It began when my husband wondered aloud, "What's the difference between a philharmonic orchestra and a plain old orchestra?" Miles Hoffman answered that question, and others that since have arisen, in easy-to-understand language. This book is the single resource classical-music lovers need to help them better appreciate what they're hearing. The entries are alphabetical, which is extremely helpful, and the judicious use of cross-referencing ensures complete understanding of terms and concepts. Mr. Hoffman mixes expertise and insight with wit, making "The NPR Classical Music Companion" a delight to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Not recommended if you're musically knowledgable...
Review: Let's start off by saying that this isn't a bad book. For those who do wish to break into the mysterious language of classical music, by all means, give it a read. However, being a music student of 15 years, I bought this book with the expectation that it would explain many more terms, much more thoroughly. The biggest disappointment, I found, was that there was not even a section dedicated to the composers themselves who are the ones responsible for classical music. Even possibly a short page on a few of the great names would have added so much to this book. If you're looking for a guide, I'd much rather recommed Classical Music for Dummies!! Composers, terms, pieces, humour...and pictures too!!!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent reference tool and well written.
Review: Miles Hoffman's book is just as inventive and clever as his section "Coming to Terms" on NPR's Performance Today. His defintions are packed with information and witty commentary, necessitating its use for any classical music lover. For those in the business, or just those wanting to know more, Hoffman's guide is a must have because no other reference tool is as accessible or as clearly written. Suddenly, the lexicon of classical music is no longer out of reach, but instead understandable and affordable in this wonderful guide to terms.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent reference tool and well written.
Review: Miles Hoffman's book is just as inventive and clever as his section "Coming to Terms" on NPR's Performance Today. His defintions are packed with information and witty commentary, necessitating its use for any classical music lover. For those in the business, or just those wanting to know more, Hoffman's guide is a must have because no other reference tool is as accessible or as clearly written. Suddenly, the lexicon of classical music is no longer out of reach, but instead understandable and affordable in this wonderful guide to terms.
Rating:
Summary: LIstening With Intelligence
Review: Now anyone can understand the somewhat dazzyling array of Italian and other "foreign language" musical terms that are bantered about if one listens to classical music. Here Hoffman provides help in the form of this companion book which includes not only forte-piano to diminuendo, but also provides neat sections on musical instrument families and what I find really helpful, "Character Pieces" such as "Etude" "Scherzo" etc. Will enhance anyone's ability to understand what we're listening to.
Rating:
Summary: LIstening With Intelligence
Review: Now anyone can understand the somewhat dazzyling array of Italian and other "foreign language" musical terms that are bantered about if one listens to classical music. Here Hoffman provides help in the form of this companion book which includes not only forte-piano to diminuendo, but also provides neat sections on musical instrument families and what I find really helpful, "Character Pieces" such as "Etude" "Scherzo" etc. Will enhance anyone's ability to understand what we're listening to.
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