The Classical Music Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

I've been in music all my life. This is a great book filled with enlightening eye-candy images as well as a great history of western music over a long period of time. But then again, DK books never seem to be bad, not any of them. A great book.

This is a really good bird’s eye view of how music has developed over the years. I really like the short, focused chapters. Easy to read, but good information. I recommend this to any fan of music, especially “classical” music.

This is an excellent compendium of facts, chronologically -edited and explanations of the evolution and history of music with incredible illustrations and biographical notes from the composers. It gets a little bit technical at times but if you are interested in learning, I found it was best accompanied by hearing the example that was being explained while reading. I have learned so much from this and has made me a lot more interested in classical music. It also made me really curious to explore the rest of the books in this series as a way to expand my knowledge in other interesting topics to me, as the layoff of the book is so digestible if you are patient

Interesting book that gives another perspective to the composers. Such as what was going on in history during their time, not only world history but music history and how that influenced their style.

It is important that we know the history of music..,all genres, actually, but this book is a great place to start, review or remind us of the timeless beauty and power of music.

This is a good book if you're familiar with all the music referred to by the author (I'm not). For a more comprehensive and interesting book about the history of music I like, "The Story of Music: From Babylon to the Beatles" by Howard Goodall.

Extremely Informative book on the History of Classical Music. Lots of information that I did not know. A well written book for Lovers of Classical music. You will not be disappointed. 100/10.

I've studied classical music my whole life and this book opened up new composers and new types of music; it's a constant discovery. I bought this for my daughter but kept it for myself!

Paperback is good

Classical music can feel intimidating, but this book makes it inviting, accessible, and deeply rewarding. The Classical Music Book by DK is a beautifully designed and thoughtfully structured guide that demystifies the history, forms, and key ideas of Western classical music without ever talking down to the reader. Organised in clear, bite sized sections, it moves confidently from early sacred music through to contemporary classical styles, using timelines, diagrams, and concise explanations to support understanding. One of the book’s great strengths is its ability to connect musical ideas to historical and cultural context. The chapters on major composers, musical forms, and stylistic developments are particularly effective, helping readers understand not just what changed, but why it mattered. Visual summaries, listening prompts, and well chosen examples make complex concepts such as sonata form, harmony, and orchestration far easier to grasp. As a composer and musician, I found this book refreshingly balanced. It respects the depth and seriousness of the art form while remaining open and encouraging to newcomers. Whether used as a reference, a teaching aid, or a companion to listening, this is a confident, well curated introduction to classical music. Clear, engaging, and beautifully presented. A well deserved five stars.

Finde die Reihe sehr gut, sehr übersichtlich und anschaulich erklärt, zu empfehlen

Muito resumido e, às vezes, divergente com as novas descobertas da musicologia contemporânea. Não é indicado para iniciantes.

Great book for Overview of Classical Music