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.

In actual fact, many composers of present day find comfort in learning knowledge of the past. So many composers in history had to struggle to make ends meet and/or to gain recognition. There’s appeal in the struggle. The more you read about the past, the more you understand yourself as a musician and a human being. It’s a fascinating journey.

Here are some history books that you may find interesting. These, like the 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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