Classical Music Criticism / Edition 1

by Robert D. Schick

Overview

The first new survey of the field in more than 60 years, this study concentrates on the basics of music criticism. Because it focuses on core issues and proven principles, the book is likely to become the standard work on the subject. It is written for the audience that reads music criticism in newspapers and popular journals: professional and amateur musicians, scholars, teachers, researchers, librarians, students, music lovers, journalists, and critics. The topics are covered in depth and observations are thoroughly documented, yet the material is enjoyable to read because the writing is easy to understand and special terminology is held to an absolute minimum.
The commentary addresses the function of music criticism, the qualifications and training of a critic, the relationship between music criticism and other aspects of journalism, and the principles behind value judgments. Three chapters are devoted to the concert and opera review, one to reviewing recordings, another to radio and television criticism, and one to reviewing ethnic music. Thirty-eight reviews are quoted and analyzed, and 13 are presented in their entirety, along with critical commentary. Index. Appendix. Bibliography

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815318958
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/01/1996
Series:	Perspectives in Music Criticism and Theory Series , #18
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Part 1 The Background; Chapter 1 Some Basic Issues; Chapter 2 The Function of Music Criticism; Chapter 3 The Qualifications and Training of a Critic; Chapter 4 Music Criticism and Journalism; Chapter 5 The Principles Behind Value Judgments; Part 2 The Criticism; Chapter 6 The Concert and Opera Review; Chapter 7 Writing the Concert and Opera Review; Chapter 8 Intentions, Program Music, and the Expression Theory; Chapter 9 Reviewing Recordings; Chapter 10 Reviewing Ethnic Concerts and Recordings; Chapter 11 Radio and Television Criticism; Coping with the 1990s; Questionnaire to Critics;

Editorial Reviews

"Touches all the important points and gives solid, defendable answers to the questions readers most often ask...thoroughly engaging...a landmark study and a delightful read. It should become standard reference for amateurs and professionals alike-for anyone, in fact, who likes to discuss music as well as listen to it." — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"A useful addition to the library shelves. The author deals with a multitude of issues which any critic ought to have pondered, and of which all consumers of criticism should be aware. The style is crisp and concise, and the matter is well organized and clearly set out. Consequently, the book is easy to read, and covers a lot of ground very quickly." — Brio

From the Publisher

Synthesizes the basic principles the criticism of classical for people who read it in newspapers and popular journals, including musicians, listeners, and scholars. Addresses such issues as the function of music criticism, the qualifications and training of a critic, the relationship between music criticism and other journalism, and the principles behind value judgments. Quotes and presents recent reviews, but aspires to be an enduring reference by avoiding current fashions and personalities. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews