http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Music-Insights-Understanding-Enjoying/dp/1426994206/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1369880847&sr=8-1
I'm about halfway through this book, it is amazing---expensive, but NOT on Amazon Kindle (only three dollars). I downloaded it to my Kindle and am learning quite a bit. Sections on Symphonies, Concertos, etc with works by composers explained in some detail. Ideal for beginners like me. I've been listening to classical music for years, have amassed a modest CD collection, but am still a novice.
Just posted this in your Britten thread...
I own this book (http://www.amazon.com/WHOS-AFRAID-CLASSICAL-MUSIC-opinionated/dp/0671667513/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369882528&sr=8-2&keywords=who%27s+afraid+of+classical+music) which I think is very good. It covers everything from a beginners standpoint, and gives many great recommendations for pieces to explore.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/519BJAXF55L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg)
Thanks, saw the other post you made, just put that on my amazon.com wish list. There is a 2004 edition of that same book. I get a lot out of these kinds of books, making notes as I go along.
I just came across three more, on the website of a conservatory.
1.Classical Music: A New Way of Listening. Alexander Waugh. 978 002860 4466
2. The Great Composers and Their Works. Nicholas Sloimsky. 978 002864 9559
3. The Listening Experience. James Patrick O'Brien. 978 0028 721 385
I plan to get all three of these very soon. They all come under the general heading "Music Appreciation".
As a fellow newbie I can recommend these two:
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0349109729[/asin]
[asin] 1841154768[/asin]
Obviously dealing with different eras but I picked up a great deal from both.
Dave B has left the building. Does anyone know why?
You might try this one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00D48YT4I/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_O6BSrb03994DZ
With the links provided at the end of each chapter you can listen to all pieces discussed, which cover classical music hits from Baroque era till modern times. Also, you'll have many tips for beginners, including the recommended recordings.
This was my beginner book, about eleven years ago. I still value it, but it's definitely a get your feet wet, beginner book. So if that's what you're looking for, here it is.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Vintage-Guide-Classical-Music/dp/0679728058/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371588066&sr=8-1&keywords=a+vintage+guide+to+classical+music