Incomplete and Utter History of Classical Music

[Blodwyn Pigs Might Fly]

I am tempted by this book. Did anyone get given it for Christmas?

Despite having grown up with plenty of Classical music in the house, I feel there are huge chasms in my knowledge. As I get older, I become more and more curious about music history. I know a lot more about the last 40 years than about the previous 400!

My only reservations about this book is a concern about Fry patronising his readers. This is based on watching too many episodes of QI in which Fry attempts to humiliate Alan Davies in his own private one-sided class war, and show him up as an ignorant oik despite the fact that Davies comes up with as many 'interesting facts' as anyone else.

Also, is Fry spreading himself too thinly? Comedian, TV presenter, actor, comedy writer, novelist, film director, voice of Harry Potter, and now music historian. Stephen, isn't it about time the Sistine Chapel was given another coat of paint?

[My Friend Jack]

No, BPMF, I didn't get a copy for Christmas! Like you, though, I would be slightly wary of anything written by S Fry, although I would welcome some feedback that suggested my wariness was underserved.

[Alfred E Neuman]

You could try Classical Music for Dummies; one of those bright yellow books with the mildly offensive titles. This one is written by two conductors and as well as offering explanations to and recommendations from historical movements in classical music, it also gives tips for enjoying classical music concerts before going through instruments of the orchestra one by one (in depth) (including the triangle). Although I've not read it in full, I bought it for my mother for Xmas and spent an hour or so looking through it - it seemed genuinely well-informed as well as light and witty.

[ATM]

......, I would be slightly wary of anything written by S Fry, although I would welcome some feedback that suggested my wariness was underserved.


I think your comments about S Fry are totally unfounded. He is one of the leading lights not only of humour, but intellect, perception, observation and indeed writing. His words are cutting as well as informative, descriptive as well as humourous.

Perhaps his works are not suitable for all but to be wary is to give the wrong impression of the master!

I can't comment on the book in hand but I did listen to the series on Classic FM. Although I am a composer and lover of classical music and the fact that the afore mentioned radio staion is about as commercial as you can get....( breath) I still enjoyed it and the slant he indeed put on it.