Publisher's Synopsis
Explore the masterpieces of classical music in depth with the BBC Proms Pocket Guides. Classical music is more available to all than ever. On the radio, the internet, on CDs, on television and at concerts - the great masterpieces of music can be heard in countless different performances. But where can you find out more about the music you hear? The BBC Proms Pocket Guides provide all the background and information you need about some of the most popular works in the repertory. As one of the world's leading music festivals, the BBC Proms has, over the years, published unrivalled and highly-praised programme notes by some of today's leading writers on music. This first volume in the series provides an accessible and authoritative guide to some of the greatest symphonies. From Haydn and Mozart to the masters of the twentieth century, including the complete symphonies of Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler and Sibelius, these are works which have shown their continual power to move and engage audiences, and which have remained central to our concert-going, broadcasting and record listening over generations. If you want to know more about how the great symphonies were written and what to listen out for as you encounter these remarkable pieces, this is the place to start.
