Gombrich's story of art - about classical music

[Daimonion]

Dear All,

I hope you don't mind such a basic/general question. Is there anything - in the field of classical music - comparable to E.H. Gombrich's The story of art? I mean one volume book which can be read by somebody new to the field, but which would be (at the same time) serious. With regards,

Daimonion

[vandermolen]

Haven't read it myself but looks a possibility:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0099587173/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

I have, however, read the Gombrich book or parts of it as a student. The Story of Music may be less 'academic' but possibly still useful.

[Monsieur Croche]

I recommend the two (slim) volumes of the Penguin history of classical music.  They give a great overview, from the earliest era, the medieval, at least up to and through the 19th century.  Since they are still in circulation, later editions might just have been revised with added chapters for the 20th century to present.

Even without that possible revision-addition, they are very informative, 'readable' and if they go into the theory of music, harmony, etc, that is still readily accessible to the layman neophyte, that audience kept well in mind when they were written


Best regards.