The first new survey of the field in more than 60 years, this study concentrates on the basics of music criticism. Because it focuses on core issues and proven principles, the book is likely to become the standard work on the subject. It is written for the audience that reads music criticism in newspapers and popular journals: professional and amateur musicians, scholars, teachers, researchers, librarians, students, music lovers, journalists, and critics. The topics are covered in depth and observations are thoroughly documented, yet the material is enjoyable to read because the writing is easy to understand and special terminology is held to an absolute minimum.
The commentary addresses the function of music criticism, the qualifications and training of a critic, the relationship between music criticism and other aspects of journalism, and the principles behind value judgments. Three chapters are devoted to the concert and opera review, one to reviewing recordings, another to radio and television criticism, and one to reviewing ethnic music. Thirty-eight reviews are quoted and analyzed, and 13 are presented in their entirety, along with critical commentary. Index. Appendix. Bibliography
Biography
Robert D. Schick
"Touches all the important points and gives solid, defendable answers to the questions readers most often ask...thoroughly engaging...a landmark study and a delightful read. It should become standard reference for amateurs and professionals alike-for anyone, in fact, who likes to discuss music as well as listen to it." -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"A useful addition to the library shelves. The author deals with a multitude of issues which any critic ought to have pondered, and of which all consumers of criticism should be aware. The style is crisp and concise, and the matter is well organized and clearly set out. Consequently, the book is easy to read, and covers a lot of ground very quickly." -- Brio
