"The essential listener's guide to more than a thousand years of Western classical music ; Explains the elements and terminology of classical music in clear and simple terms ; Discusses the music and instruments of each period, from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras, to developments in modern music sine 1900 ; Explores the life stories, musical styles, and most popular works of almost 300 composers"--Back of container

• Introducing classical music. The elements of classical music ; Classical music instruments ; Classical music in performance
• The history of classical music. Early music (1000-1600) ; The Baroque era (1600-1750) ; The Classical era (1750-1820) ; The Romantic era (1810-1920) ; Romantic opera (1810-1920) ; National schools (1830-1950) ; Modern music (1900-present)