Rating: 
Summary: A Musical Dictionary
Review: This book is exactly what it says it is-terms and concepts from A to Z. Its a dictionary. It explains general classical music terms and phrases. One great thing about this book is you don't have to read it from beginning to end.
Each entry in the book is well defined (sometimes a few pages long). I read the whole book and thought it was interesting, humorous, and educating.
There are entries explaining many of the instruments in classical music (ones that are still used and some that are not). There are also sections on dynamics and notation with charts and a few helpful pictures. There is also a chart of equivalent notes.
This book is by no means inclusive. It is however, a great starting point.
Some of the terms included in this book are:
absolute pitch, aria, arpeggio, beat, cadence, cantata, fugue, harmony, key, meter, opus number, pitch, rubato, scale, sonata, tempo and rhythm.
Hope this helps you!
Rating:
Summary: Musical Training Wheels
Review: This book is just what the doctor ordered for musical neophytes like myself who are looking for an accessible but authoritative crash course in basic musical terminology. If the difference between pizzicato and pianissimo continues to elude you, then read on. Two aspects of this book are particularly appealing. The first is Libbey's style, which is free-flowing and chatty, conveying often difficult ideas with impressive clarity (the articles on counterpoint and fugue are cases in point). Secondly, I was impressed by his essay-style approach to his various musical subjects; unlike a musical dictionary, which would be content to stop at mere definition, Libbey's book provides background, explanations, examples and opinions that do much to round out the material in the reader's mind. An impressive work indeed!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent reference tool and well written.
Review: This is a great reference book, textbook, bedside table book, beach read--you name it! You can trust what Hoffman tells you about music, and he tells it with subtlety, elegance, and wit. Anyone with any interest in music will want a copy.
Rating:
Summary: Anyone with any interest in music will want a copy.
Review: This is a great reference book, textbook, bedside table book, beach read--you name it! You can trust what Hoffman tells you about music, and he tells it with subtlety, elegance, and wit. Anyone with any interest in music will want a copy.
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