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The books below teach the theory and history of music, but all presume understanding of the basics of music (beat, rhythm, tone, melody, interval etc.) I don't know of a book that teaches these. The best recommendations I've received are to take a music basics (not music appreciation) course at a college and/or take singing lessons.
- How to Listen to and Understand Great Music by . Forty-eight lectures covering the development and theory of music from the ancient world through modern times. The author correctly points out that music reflects contemporary philosophy, but his grasp of philosophy is weak and a student will profit from first studying Peikoff's History of Philosophy. With the caution that one should not take the author's evaluations uncritically, the facts are all there for a discerning listener, well-illustrated and well-organized.
- The Sense of Music by .
- A History of Western Music by . A complete history of western music, from ancient Greece to modern times. The musical explanations presume the ability to read music and familiarity with the main elements of music. This not an explanation of music but a history of its development.
Links
- Appian Publications & Recordings – "Transfers of Genius" -- recordings and restorations of classic music, primarily piano.
- M. Zachary Johnson on Music – M. Zachary Johnson's regular column on music at American Chronicle.
- M. Zachary Johnson's Music Recommendations – Suggestions for recordings from The Intellectual Activist's frequent music essayist.
- Pandourion Records – Publishers of Ancient Music
- Romophone – Romophone is a historical reissues label specialising in the remastering of the complete works of some of the greatest singers of the early 20th century.
