Classical Music History
Books About Composers

Hey, why should I read about history when I intend to make history? What… am I going to waste my life reading or am I going to get up and do something about it? I’m a doer, ya know! I’m only happy when I’m doing…”

You’d be surprised how many students that I teach have no initial interest in music history. This is not, however, a deal breaker. Composers, especially those who are still in the preliminary stages of study, can develop a liking toward the history of composers.

Here are some history books that you may find interesting. These, like theory books, are nice resource materials for your ever-expanding music library.

History Set (one book, two Volumes of scores, and recordings)

The Enjoyment of Music: An Introduction to Perceptive Listening (Shorter Version)

The Norton Scores: A Study Anthology, Ninth Edition, Volume 1: Gregorian Chant to Beethoven

The Norton Scores: A Study Anthology, Ninth Edition, Volume 2: Schubert to the Present

The Norton Recordings

Music Dictionary

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (Oxford Paperback Reference)

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