A. L. Bacharach (1891–1966)

What a beautiful old treasury. This big, fat book is an attempt to give a broad overview of what we would now call classical music. There's everything from opera to details of forgotten instruments and how current instruments are arranged on the stage, from the mechanics of singing to a history of most European countries from a musical perspective.

The volume is dated in many ways, including the decision for much of the content to have a slightly opinionated air. This is not a problem, and certainly wasn't in 1934, but 90 years later one must read this with a grain of salt, and an understanding that some things have just changed.

Still, I'm delighted by this.… (mehr)

This book is quite instructive about the state of classical music in the first half of the twentieth century, with a look back to the end of the previous century as well. The composers covered in detail include both obvious ones - Vaughan Williams, Holst, Delius - and others less so - Rubbra, Ireland, Goosens. There are a few omissions, particularly Havergal Brian and John Foulds, but the majority of composers are covered, including those who would be important in the future such as Tippett and Britten ("Peter Grimes" had just had its first production). Given the multiple authorship there are some inconsistencies, but overall it's a good read for those whose interests lie in this direction.… (mehr)