The History of Classical Music For Beginners

R. Ryan Endris

oct 2014 · Red Wheel/Weiser

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Music history is nearly as old as human civilization itself, and while it has permeated the arts and popular culture for centuries, it still has this mystifying aura surrounding it. But fear not—it’s not as complicated as it seems, and anyone can learn the origins and history of Western art music. In addition to learning how better to understand (and enjoy!) classical music, The History of Classical Music For Beginners will help you will learn of some of the more interesting and sometimes comical stories behind the music and composers.

Did you know that Jean-Baptiste Lully actually died from conducting one of his own compositions? You may have heard of Gregorian chant, but did you know there are many forms of chant, including Ambrosian and Byzantine chant? And did you also know that only a small portion of “classical music” is even technically Classical?

These interesting, insightful facts and more are yours to discover in The History of Classical Music For Beginners. 

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R. Ryan Endris, D. Mus., currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Colgate University. He is also in demand as an arranger of choral and instrumental music throughout the country, and his arrangements have been heard by audiences around the world. Dr. Endris holds Doctor of Music and Master of Music of Choral Conducting degrees from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music Education (K-12 Choral/General Music). He has studied voice with internationally acclaimed soprano Sylvia McNair, and his conducting teachers and mentors include Robert Porco of the Cleveland Orchestra; John Poole of the BBC Singers; Dale Warland of the Dale Warland Singers; and Vance George, Director Emeritus of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus.

Joe Lee is an illustrator, cartoonist, writer, and clown. A graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey’s Clown College, he worked for many years as a circus clown. He is the author and illustrator of Writers and Readers’ The History of Clowns For Beginners and Dante For Beginners, and the illustrator of many For Beginners books including: Dada & Surrealism For Beginners, Postmodernism For Beginners, and Shakespeare For Beginners. Joe lives with his wife, Mary Bess, three cats, and two dogs.