Music: An Appreciation : Book Review

"Music" by Roger Kamien is a highly informative and comprehensive book that offers an in-depth exploration of the fascinating world of music. Kamien covers a wide range of topics, including various genres, composers, and historical periods, making it a valuable resource for both music enthusiasts and students.

The book begins by introducing readers to the basic elements of music, such as rhythm, melody, and harmony. Kamien's explanations are concise and clear, allowing readers to easily grasp even the most complex musical concepts. As the book progresses, it delves into more intricate topics like form and texture, providing a deeper understanding of musical structure.

One of the standout features of "Music" is its inclusion of online audio examples. This allows readers to listen to the music being discussed in the book, enhancing their understanding and providing a more immersive learning experience. The combination of written explanations and audio examples creates a dynamic and engaging way to learn about music.

Throughout the book, Kamien shines a spotlight on renowned composers from different historical periods, such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Stravinsky. He provides biographical information about these composers, as well as insights into their compositions, which gives readers a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the musical world.

In addition to discussing composers and their works, Kamien explores a variety of musical genres and styles. From classical to jazz, musical theater to world music, readers are exposed to a wide range of musical forms. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers can broaden their musical horizons and develop a well-rounded understanding of music.

What are readers saying?

Roger Kamien's book "Music" has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from readers. Some readers found the book to be a comprehensive and clear introduction to the subject of music. They appreciated Kamien's ability to explain complex concepts in a concise manner and liked the book's well-organized structure. These readers felt that it provided a solid foundation for understanding music theory and history, and they found the accompanying online resources to be helpful for further exploration.

However, other readers felt that the book was too dense and overwhelming, particularly for beginners. They found the content to be too technical and difficult to follow without prior knowledge of music theory. These readers believed that the book would have benefited from simplified explanations and more examples to make it more accessible to a wider range of readers.

Some readers also criticized the book for its lack of coverage on contemporary music and popular genres, deeming it outdated. They believed that the book focused predominantly on classical music while neglecting more modern musical styles. These readers felt that a more balanced approach would have made the book more relevant and engaging.

On the contrary, some readers appreciated the book's emphasis on classical music and considered it a valuable resource for classical music enthusiasts. They praised Kamien's depth of knowledge and the book's thorough exploration of classical composers and their works.

In summary, reviews for "Music" by Roger Kamien indicate that the book offers a comprehensive introduction to music theory and history. However, some readers found it overwhelming and lacking contemporary relevance. Nonetheless, it remains highly regarded by those interested in classical music, who appreciate its extensive coverage of this genre.

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