Classical Composers: A Illustrated History Book

Classical Composers: An Illustrated History is a celebration of the lives and music of the finest composers of classical music, from the masters of the baroque, in 16th and 17th century Europe, through the classical and romantic periods to the great names of the 20th century repertoire.

The major composers are each allocated a double-page spread, and here the biography is supplemented by an illuminating critical appreciation of the composer's music and a separate chronology listing significant dates in his lifetime.

Beyond this, however, the book has a further important element to offer the reader. It provides a pictorial setting for the music. It is illustrated throughout with paintings of the composers and their contemporaries, of the places where they lived and worked, of set and costume designs for their operas and ballets, and of the landscapes and events that evoke the moods and character of their music.