I really enjoyed this book, or should I call it a tome at over 750 pages, by Harold C. Shonberg.
Shonberg provides fascinating biographies of many of the great composers ranging from Monteverdi to latter 20th Century composers.
Written in a clear, concise, but very entertaining fashion, it is a wonderful way to familiarize oneself with the great composers. Written under the premise that music evolves over time and most, if not all, composers begin by, as Newton once said in a different context ‘standing upon the shoulders of giants’, it is apparent how composers have leant heavily upon their predecessors.
There were a few omissions but with the book already coming in at a very hefty weight I am sure that difficult choices had to be made.
I think this is a fascinating and informative read for anyone wishing to acquaint oneself with the plethora of composers both inside and out of the canon of Western Classical music and provides a road map for further exploration of individual composers.
I can highly recommended (paid link) The Lives Of The Great Composers by Harold C. Schonberg.
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