Music History and Appreciation Books

Prog Rock FAQ traces the controversial but much misunderstood musical genre through its five-decade history, highlighting the rise, eventual decline, and recent resurgence of one of the most

Recognized for its distinctive musical features and its connection to periods of social innovation and ferment, the genre of psychedelia has exerted long-term influence in many areas of cultural production,

An enigma to those who knew him, the early-20th century French master Maurice Ravel composed some of the most popular and beloved music in the repertory. In Ravel: A Listener's Guide, Victor Lederer surveys

Can a song change a nation? In 1964, Marvin Gaye, record producer William "Mickey" Stevenson, and Motown songwriter Ivy Jo Hunter wrote "Dancing in the Street." The song was recorded at Motown's Hitville

Gathering the full texts of Baroque source material, both in the original German and in English translation, Quentin Faulkner explores registration of Bach’s works as well as other compositions of the

Now more than ever we must face the challenge of the relevancy of choral music in our culture - for artistic directors and their role within choral organizations, for members of choral organizations, and

Selected by the ACDA Publications Committee and recommended as a required text at many American choral institutions, this stunning anthology reveals the often-overlooked American composers of choral music

One of the jewels in the crown of Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred music is its use of astonishingly subtle and complex allegorical and representational devices. But when similar devices appear in the context

In this book, the author examines how ska music first emerged in Jamaica as a fusion of popular, traditional, and even classical musical forms. As a genre, it was a connection to Africa, a means of

This investigation of how music entered American homes and became a cultural institution that would expand to become a multibillion-dollar industry weaves a history of the evolution of pop music in tandem

Stemming from the tradition of rallying troops and frightening enemies, mounted bands played a unique and distinctive role in American military history. Their fascinating story within the U.S. Army unfolds

A global approach to music across cultures – this book helps students listen to all music and understand its place in an interconnected world. Using a cross-cultural framework that balances coverage

More than 100 selections from the noted musicologist's Essays in Musical Analysis cover most of the standard works in the symphonic repertory. Subjects include Beethoven's overtures and symphonies,

Teach Yourself Music History is a thoroughly enjoyable overview of all the major periods of Western music: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic,

Hip-hop is a global phenomenon and a massively successful corporate enterprise predominantly controlled and consumed by whites, while the most prominent performers are black. How does this affect our

An in-depth and comprehensive guide to - and history of - music collecting, The Ultimate Guide to Vinyl and More traces the hobby from its beginnings over a century ago. The book features informative and

Lavishly illustrated with over 700 faithful reproductions of sheet music covers, this collection provides fans with an indispensable outlet to connect with these pieces from the past, preserving their

Renowned choral conductor and educator Andre J. Thomas has crafted a book that the conductor of any choral ensemble will want close at hand when preparing to program any concert spiritual. Understanding

Protest music is largely perceived as an unsubtle art form, a brand of songwriting that preaches to the converted. But popular music of all types has long given listeners food for thought. Fifty years

This book offers a comprehensive look from the inside at the world of professional drumming and at the women who had the courage and chops to break the barriers of this all-too-male field. Combining