A History of Music in Western Civilization: Fascinating Discussions by 15 Prominent Music Authorities, with Musical Examples [12-cd set]
HighBridge Audio here offers a comprehensive look at Western music from medieval Gregorian chant to jazz and rock of the 20th century. Eleven music authorities, including Hogwood (a primary force behind the period instrument revival), provide commentary interspersed with musical excerpts on the eight-cassette program. While there is something for everyone to learn and enjoy in this work, it is not very current and is in fact a repackaged British program some 18 years old. Rock listeners will become aware of this as commentators discuss the "new band: the Police." In addition, the voices of the British scholars, alternating between the extremely effete and the extraordinarily pompous, make the work unapproachable for much of an American audience. Still, their discussions can sometimes be spirited, as in the section wherein conductor Norman Del Mar and musician John Amis debate the musical firestorms of the 19th century. A History of Music in Western Civilization is recommended for public and academic libraries, but teachers can expect a difficult time with students brought up on the Monty Python show.?Ben O'Sickey, "Library Journal"Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.