WHO'S AFRAID OF CLASSICAL MUSIC?

Rating:
Summary: A guide in every sense of the word
Review: I first read this book early in high school just as I was discovering classical music. Not only is it funny and informative, it gives you ways to branch out and discover things on your own. (The author even puts a "if you like X then try Y" chart in the appendix!) It was my first introduction to the opera (I am now an avid opera-goer). Not for a moment does Walsh leave you confused or disoriented -- he is a guide in the truest sense of the word! My only criticism is that it is now a little out of date.

Rating:
Summary: It's the music thats important...
Review: I first read this book when I was 15, 10 long years ago as I was getting into classical music. Years later I was delighted to discover that it is still in print. It is a great introduction to classical music, a "pre" dummies book that does not talk down to the novice. Although the technical explanations could have been a bit better, it does not distract from the main message: the music is what is important, not the famous name who performs it. A good introduction to help one along the way to classical music, not just a list of famous names who perform even more famous music.

Rating:
Summary: It's the music thats important...
Review: I first read this book when I was 15, 10 long years ago as I was getting into classical music. Years later I was delighted to discover that it is still in print. It is a great introduction to classical music, a "pre" dummies book that does not talk down to the novice. Although the technical explanations could have been a bit better, it does not distract from the main message: the music is what is important, not the famous name who performs it. A good introduction to help one along the way to classical music, not just a list of famous names who perform even more famous music.

Rating:
Summary: Great ,irreverent intro
Review: This is the book that got me most interested in Classical Music. It's a pretty funny and irreverent book at times, but most importantly, its opinionated. Walsh inspires the reader to form his own opinions as to what they like and don't like. Rather than fawn over everything, he argues passionately in either direction. He treats music as art, not as religious artifact.