A History of Western Music - Grout and Palisca (Music Books in general)

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Product:	Music Books in general
Date:	21/07/00 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good point of reference

Disadvantages: Bulky, several omissions

This is a sound reference book for anyone studying Music History. Although it has several ommissions of more obscure composers, and only goes up to early 20th Century, it is useful if you you want to see how a particular composer was placed in relation to era, contemporaries, musical development, etc.

A History of Western Music is a large, heavy book, although it is now out in paperback, which has improved the whole weight thing. New editions are constantly coming out, but although this alters page numbers, the essence and content is basically identical.

Retailing at about £17, this is a pricey book, and may not be worth your while - especially if you have access to the Grove Dictionaries of Music. You may want to see if anyone else on your course wishes to sell it at a cheaper price.

However, it's useful for quick reference, and is layed out chronologically, which is convenient. The index is also clear, and there are a number of pictures and illustrations.

Overall, the book is somewhat useful, but not the best. It's more compact than grove, but too big to actually read from cover to cover.

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