The Lighter Classics in Music / A Comprehensive Guide to Musical Masterworks in a Lighter Vein by 187 Composers

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

66346

Title

The Lighter Classics in Music / A Comprehensive Guide to Musical Masterworks in a Lighter Vein by 187 Composers

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

David Ewen presents a comprehensive guide to musical masterworks in a lighter vein, featuring biographical sketches of 187 composers and analyses of over 1,000 semi-classical pieces. This volume explores the spontaneity and creative invention of popular contemporary composers alongside the genius of classical masters, offering an accessible entry point for concertgoers, record collectors, and musicians seeking enduring, emotionally impactful music.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Lighter Classics in Music*, David Ewen curates a vast collection of enduring semi-classical works, ranging from intimate salon pieces and café-house tunes to grand operettas and ballets. The book profiles 187 composers, bridging the gap between high art and popular appeal. It features giants of the classical canon such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn alongside beloved figures of the 20th century like Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. Ewen provides perceptive analyses of specific masterworks, detailing their origins, musical structures, and emotional resonance across diverse genres. The text explores ballets like *Giselle* and *Swan Lake*, operettas such as *The Merry Widow*, and iconic film scores including *The Warsaw Concerto*. Each entry offers rich historical context, often highlighting the political or cultural significance of the music; for instance, Sibelius's *Finlandia* is presented not merely as a tone poem but as a stirring voice for national independence that played a pivotal role in Finland's struggle against Russian oppression. Through Ewen's accessible, non-pompous style, readers gain insight into the lives of these creators and the spontaneous invention that defines this rich heritage. The book serves as both a comprehensive reference guide and a celebration of music that has stood the test of time, ensuring these favorites remain universally loved. By examining the lives of composers from Joseph Achron to Richard Rodgers, Ewen reveals how these works capture the spontaneity and creative spirit of their eras, offering a timeless collection for concertgoers, musicians, and history enthusiasts alike.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Music