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    Discovering Classical Music: Strauss
    Discovering Classical Music: Strauss
    Discovering Classical Music: Strauss
    Ebook70 pages49 minutes

    Discovering Classical Music: Strauss

    By Ian Christians

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    About this ebook

    "I recommend this book wholeheartedly to new music lovers" Sir Charles Groves CBE Thanks to Nigel Kennedy and Pavarotti, millions of people have recently discovered that classical music is a highly enjoyable experience, perhaps contrary to their expectations. But the world of classical music can be highly intimidating and confusing. Ian Christians, for many years a passionate believer in broadening the interest in classical music, has developed a unique approach, designed to make it as easy as possible for both newcomers to classical music and those who have started down the path to explore with confidence. Discovering Classical Music concentrates on the greatest composers. The author takes you step-by-step into their most approachable music and, in some cases, boldly into some of the greatest works traditionally considered too difficult for newcomers. Rarely does a book offer such potential for continued enjoyment.This volume concentrates on the life, personality and music of Edward William Elgar.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOpen Road Integrated Media
    Release dateApr 1, 2016
    ISBN9781473888685
    Discovering Classical Music: Strauss

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      Book preview

      Discovering Classical Music - Ian Christians

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      First published in this digital format in 2016 by

      WHITE OWL

      An imprint of

      Pen & Sword Books Ltd

      47 Church Street

      Barnsley, South Yorkshire

      S70 2AS

      Copyright © Ian Christians

      The right of Ian Christians to be identified as Author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

      A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the Publisher in writing.

      ISBN: 9781473887855

      PDF ISBN: 9781473888692

      EPUB ISBN: 9781473888685

      PRC ISBN: 9781473888678

      Pen & Sword Books Ltd incorporates the Imprints of Aviation, Atlas, Family History, Fiction, Maritime, Military, Discovery, Politics, History, Archaeology, Select, Wharncliffe Local History, Wharncliffe True Crime, Military Classics, Wharncliffe Transport, Leo Cooper, The Praetorian Press, Remember When, Seaforth Publishing and Frontline Publishing.

      For a complete list of Pen & Sword titles please contact

      PEN & SWORD BOOKS LIMITED

      47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS, England

      E-mail: enquiries@pen-and-sword.co.uk

      Website: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

      FOREWORD

      H

      ere is a book written by a very experienced music-lover for the encouragement of newcomers to the wonderful world of classical music.

      In his Introduction the author has made a convincing case for writing the book; how successful has he been? He had first of all to decide whether to write a ‘flip-through’ guide to a large selection from a great number of composers, or to write at some length about a carefully considered few; choosing the latter course, he lays himself open to gentle criticism of his choice. There can be little argument about that precious handful of giants in the arts and, for the rest, personal judgement is paramount. Ian Christians emerges as a man of strong opinions, and some musicians might have frustration with his choice, but in the Introduction he explains his plan lucidly and convincingly.

      His ‘potted’ biographies are just the thing for new listeners who will not want to be put off by too much specialised jargon, and bearing in mind that he aims to present his subjects as ‘human’, they are done with taste. He rightly stresses that the music he writes about is easily accessible to newcomers and he does his best to blow away the mists of snobbery and elitism which unfairly surround classical music.

      I find that each composer is given a well-selected list from his works so that an enquiring mind may know where to start and continue a search for experience in listening to classical music for the first time; with such an ocean of material to choose from, many people are bewildered and discouraged from dipping a toe in the water.

      Ian Christians is particularly to be congratulated for his comments on the unique and special experience of participating in music through attending concerts and operas. Bravo! say I, because if there is going to be this great explosion into listening to classical music, let it fill our concert halls and opera houses.

      I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it whole-heartedly to new music lovers everywhere.

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      The Author

      Ian Christians was born in 1943 and is an experienced businessman who has been closely involved with the music industry on many fronts. A passionate believer in broadening the interest in classical music, he opened his first classical music (and wine) shop, Orpheus & Bacchus, in Guildford, England, in 1987, combining it with his industrial career. His musical activities since then have included concert promotion, the commissioning of a concert overture, Orpheus & Bacchus, by the Welsh composer Daniel Jones (premiered in 1989) and sponsorship of the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra. He brings many perspectives of understanding to help newcomers to classical music; a convert to classical music at the age of 18; a keen record/CD collector since then; the past owner and operator of two classical music shops; and

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