Language of the Spirit: An Introduction to Classical Music

For many of us, classical music is something serious--something we study in school, something played by cultivated musicians at fancy gatherings. In Language of the Spirit, renowned music scholar Jan Swafford argues that we have it all wrong: classical music has something for everyone and is accessible to all. Ranging from Gregorian chant to Handel's Messiah, from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons to the postmodern work of Philip Glass, Swafford is an affable and expert guide to the genre. He traces the history of Western music, introduces readers to the most important composers and compositions, and explains the underlying structure and logic of their music.

Language of the Spirit is essential reading for anyone who has ever wished to know more about this sublime art.

Language Arts, Math, and Science in the Elementary Music Classroom provides a practical guide to help music teachers incorporate elementary classroom subjects into their curriculum using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math)-inspire...

Note:  the ISBN does not include access card or Access CodeWith Music: The Art of Listening, students practice engaging with music critically, and with an appreciative ear. Presenting music within a broadened cultural and historical context, The Art...

First published in 1959, this original study argues that the main characteristic of music is that it expresses and evokes emotion, and that all composers whose music has a tonal basis have used the same, or closely similar, melodic phrases, harmonies...