By Subject > Music > Books on Music
Read about the life of Chopin and Mozart, the fine art of singing, the 20th-century organ, and other topics that explore the world of beautiful music.
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Recommendations...
 Principles of Orchestration
by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov
Great classical orchestrator provides fundamentals of tonal resonance, progression of parts, voice and orchestra, tutti effects, and much else in major document. Includes 330 pages of musical excerpts.
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| |  The Study of Fugue
by Alfred Mann
Features a historical survey of writings on the fugue from the Renaissance to the present as well as four 18th-century studies: works by J. J. Fux, W. F. Marpurg, more. Includes introductions, commentary, and 255 musical examples.
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 Piano Technique
by Walter Gieseking, Karl Leimer
Two books, bound together, by one of the greatest pianists of all time and his famed teacher: The Shortest Way to Pianistic Perfection and Rhythmics, Dynamics, Pedal and Other Problems of Piano Playing.
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 The Technique of Violin Playing: The Joachim Method
by Karl Courvoisier
This text offers an exposition of the essential features of the system of technical instruction pursued by Joseph Joachim (1831-1907). Discusses tone formation and production, attitude, and position of the body, arms, hands, and more.
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| |  Treatise on Harmony
by Jean-Philippe Rameau
One of most important books in Western music. Detailed explanation of principles of diatonic harmonic theory. New 1971 translation by Philip Gossett of 1722 edition. Many musical examples.
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 Orchestration
by Cecil Forsyth
Probably best general book on the subject. Thorough discussion of 57 instruments, technical aspects of writing for each, much else.
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| |  The Clarinet and Clarinet Playing
by David Pino
Features suggestions about technique, musicianship, and musical interpretation, as well as guidelines for teaching, making your own reeds, and preparing for public performance. Discusses the history of the clarinet. Appendixes. Includes 7 black-and-white illustrations.
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| Products in Books on Music | | |  | 500 Best-Loved Song Lyrics
by Ronald Herder
Complete lyrics for well-known folk songs, hymns, popular and show tunes, more. "Oh Susanna," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," hundreds more. Indispensable for singalongs, parties, family get-togethers, etc.
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|  | American Ballads and Folk Songs
by John A. Lomax, Alan Lomax
Music and lyrics for over 200 songs. John Henry, Goin' Home, Little Brown Jug, Alabama-Bound, Black Betty, The Hammer Song, Jesse James, Down in the Valley, The Ballad of Davy Crockett, and many more.
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|  | American Folk Tales and Songs
by Richard Chase
Full of lively stories, jokes, and games for performance, the book also includes 40 songs with melody and guitar chords. Written by the outstanding practicing folk performer. Includes 44 illustrations.
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| |  | Antonio Stradivari: His Life and Work
by W. H. Hill, Francis A. Davis
Construction methods, woods, varnishes, known instruments, types of instruments, life, special features. Includes 93 illustrations, plus 4 color plates.
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| | |  | The Art of Organ Building, Vol. 1
by George Ashdown Audsley
Volume 1 of this set includes an outline of organ history, external design and decoration, internal arrangement and mechanical systems, acoustics, more. Complete with illustrations, tables, and specifications. Set includes 385 figures and 15 plates.
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|  | The Art of Organ Building, Vol. 2
by George Ashdown Audsley
Volume 2 of this set includes an outline of organ history, external design and decoration, internal arrangement and mechanical systems, acoustics, more. Complete with illustrations, tables, and specifications. Set includes 385 figures and 15 plates.
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|  | The Art of Piano Pedaling: Two Classic Guides
by Anton Rubinstein, Teresa Carreño
Rubinstein's pedaling technique is explored using examples from a vast repertoire of works he performed in 1885-6. Carreño's observations explore her sensitivity made possible through combinations of touch and pedal.
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| |  | Beethoven : Impressions by His Contemporaries
by Oscar Sonneck
Letters, diaries, memoirs, etc., by Rossini, Weber, Liszt, and friends, depict Beethoven's accomplishments and his strange personality. Includes 16 illustrations.
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|  | Beethoven's Quartets
by Joseph de Marliave
Remarkably readable and accessible exposition presents a bar-by-bar, theme-by-theme analysis of all 16 quartets and the Grosse Fuge. Features clear analyses, 321 musical examples, and documentary material.
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|  | Beethoven’s Letters
by Ludwig van Beethoven
Features 457 letters to fellow musicians, friends, greats, patrons, and literary men. Reveals musical thoughts, quirks of personality, insights, and daily events. Includes 15 plates.
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| |  | Callas: Portrait of a Prima Donna
by George Jellinek
Renowned commentator on the musical scene chronicles incredible career and life of the most controversial, fascinating, influential operatic personality of our time. Features 64 photos of Callas in personal life, famous roles.
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|  | Chopin: The Man and His Music
by James Huneker
This classic in music biography and criticism takes an amazing look at the composer. Part 1 deals with Chopin's life; the second part offers brilliant piece-by-piece analysis of his music. Introduction and notes.
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|  | Chopin’s Letters
by Frederic Chopin, E. L. Voynich
Nearly 300 letters reveal Chopin as both man and artist and illuminate his fascinating world — Europe of the 1830s and 1840s. "delightful gossip . . . merry rather than malicious . . . engagingly witty." — Books. Preface. Index.
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| | The Clarinet and Clarinet Playing
by David Pino
Features suggestions about technique, musicianship, and musical interpretation, as well as guidelines for teaching, making your own reeds, and preparing for public performance. Discusses the history of the clarinet. Appendixes. Includes 7 black-and-white illustrations.
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|  | Classic Bel Canto Technique
by Laure-Cinthie Damoreau
Rare resource of exercises for attaining breath control, vocal sheen, evenness of tone, and agility includes studies for scales, turns and trills, vocalises, solfeggio studies, more.
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