Classic FM Companion (Paperback)

This title is based on the premise that knowledge of a composer's life and historical context can deepen the reader's understanding of his music. In researching the lives of the composers, it became obvious that interaction between the composers and some of the historical, political and social changes of the time impacted on their music. With this in mind, the author has included a short section describing some of the historical context of 19th- and 20th-century Europe and the significant changes in the social and political landscape of those times. This is not a full history, but rather illuminates the references in the biographies to historical events which affected a composer's life in some way. The title contains a selection of easily accessible biographies of some of the major composers heard on Classic FM and in concert halls. The biographies contain information on major life events, connections with other composers and historical and political circumstances, and some of the major works of the composers. By reading about composers' lives, readers will be able to appreciate composers' work more fully and be encouraged to explore their compatriots' work.