Published by: Headline Publishing Group. An Hachette UK Company
I was gifted this book by my daughter. When she first told me about the concept, a classical music ‘track’ for each day with a short description of the piece, the composer and the writer’s thoughts on them, I was skeptical. It sounded a little simplistic, as if one was to be guided into listening to a neglected genre. But since receiving the book, I’ve found it—against my natural skepticism—invaluable. I don’t use it conservatively. I don’t conform to a daily listening according to date and piece. I choose, read, listen at will, often several pieces at one go. The writer presents beautifully expressed, informal notes, almost like diary entries, igniting the reader’s curiosity to learn more. Her choices range from classical western music of all genres, from the earliest documented compositions to twenty-first century works from around the world. That includes international music, for instance Nigerian, Ethiopian, Brazilian, Black and Native American composers who integrate their rhythm, melody and instruments into the western classical genre; and modern classical music which mixes electronic sounds with classical instruments and forms along with elements of jazz/Asian/African and other musical genres. Also delightful is the collection of —need I state it—excellent, often unrecognized/forgotten music by female composers, with notes about their times and the musical circles to which they belonged. Lastly, book design: at a time when readers have turned to Kindle, I am constantly struck by the exquisite illustration on both soft and hard cover books
