Downbeat Music Guide

Hopkins, Antony

Oxford Univ. Pr.

In this remarkable book, Antony Hopkins shows how the entire orchestra acts as a distinct musical instrument, one which composers have played upon over the centuries to express every mood, from the most sublime to the most frivolous. In so doing, he explains the ways in which a composer's "signature in sound" develops, from the subtly exotic pattern of a Bartok theme to the sensuously evocative chords in Debussy. Hopkins offers an in-depth look at the origins of the orchestra itself, an evolutionary process that took the better part of two centuries in Europe, yet finds its roots in our ancient past. He begins his discussion in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, moves through the music of medieval Europe, and ultimately reaches a watershed moment in the history of the orchestra as we now know it: the composition of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos in the early eighteenth century. Having introduced the various instruments, explained the development of their groupings, and demonstrated how the blending of their tones led to the orchestral sounds of the modern era, he provides an incisive examination of actual compositions. Expertly guiding readers through representative pieces by Mozart, Schubert, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and Britten, Hopkins offers a unique and insightful companion for beginning and more seasoned concert-goers alike.

Sounds of the Orchestra

Arts & Photography

Music

Oxford University Press

In this prize-winning volume, Antony Hopkins offers an accessible and entertaining introduction to the pleasures of music. He shows how music has developed over the centuries, the ways in which it has been written, and exactly what to listen for in a wide range of musical forms. With his well-known talent for making even the most complex types of music clear to non-musicians, Hopkins begins with the basics--rhythm, harmony, and melody--and then moves on to more advanced topics, such as the key system and the principal musical forms. From preludes and fugues to sonatas, symphonies, and concertos, Hopkins provides a generous number of musical examples to demonstrate how various compositions should be interpreted. And by analyzing representative works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy, and Panufnik, he is able to show how various composers have approached their art, and how music has evolved from the eighteenth century to the present day. Also included are sections on different modes of expression throughout the ages, innovations in instruments, the meaning behind the music, the relationship between words and music in choral works, and a special chapter on approaches to three important works that have been proved especially challenging to listeners: Beethoven's Grosse Fuge, The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, and Webern's 6 Bagatelles for String Quartet. Appendices include help on more technical aspects of scores, and a ery useful glossary of musical terms. The perfect companion for listeners approaching classical music for the first time, as well as for those who wish to gain further insight into their favorite compositions, Understanding Music is an essential part of any music lover's library.

Understanding Music

Music face to face,

Previn, André

Hamilton

Antony Hopkins was most instrumental in opening up classical music to a wider audience. To celebrate his 90th birthday in 2011 (21st March, same date as Bach but different year) we are republishing some of his works.

The Nine Symphonies of Beethoven

Univ of Washington Pr

Pan/Macmillan

Talking About Concertos

Heinemann Educational Publishers

Talking About Sonatas

Talking about sonatas: A book of analytical studies, based on a personal view

Heinemann Educational

Antony Hopkins was most instrumental in opening up classical music to a wider audience. To celebrate his 90th birthday in 2011 (21st March, same date as Bach but different year) we are republishing some of his works.

Nine Symphonies of Beethoven

Heinemann Educational Publishe

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Books by Hopkins, Antony