"A Book about Music" is for those who want to understand the history and theory of classical music, and at the same time, become passionate about it. Written in a language that effortlessly captivates the reader, guiding them through changing eras and influences, showing how people's ideas, concerns, and needs have evolved, and music has evolved along with them. This comprehensive work takes you through antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, all manner of "isms," and brings you to the present day, all while maintaining a coherent narrative. The authors don't forget the present either: they reveal the secrets of orchestral sound, the workings of recording studios, and many other professional intricacies you might never have suspected. Finally, this collection includes monologues by renowned artists, writers, and public figures who discuss the role of music in their lives. Overall, "A Book about Music" fulfills the essential functions of any good text: it educates and inspires.