Great Composers

Probably the most naturally gifted musician the world has ever known, Mozart began his career early as a child prodigy. By the age five, he was already proficient on the violin, the harpsichord, and piano keyboard, and had begun composing music that had integrity. He was a showman as well, according to contemporary documents, and charmed many of the crowned heads of Europe with his performance and his manner.

Beatlemania had struck North America, creating a musical and pop culture phenomenon unlike anything the world had ever seen. At the center of it all was John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the principal songwriting duo who were instrumental in creating the soundtrack of the 1960s, while producing some of the world's most timeless classics. Together with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, Lennon and McCartney propelled The Beatles to unprecedented heights, experimenting with their sound in ways that revolutionized rock and inspired bands across various musical genres.

In Simply Beethoven, Professor Leon Plantinga offers the lay listener a fascinating account of Beethoven’s life and music in its singular historical context, a time that saw the upheaval of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic conquests, as well as the rise of the European middle class. It was in this milieu that Beethoven composed the groundbreaking, highly individual works that changed the course of music and have continued to inspire and delight listeners for more than two centuries.

Peter Hook, as co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, has been shaping the course of popular music for 30 years. He provided the propulsive bass guitar melodies of 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and the bestselling 12-inch single ever, 'Blue Monday' among many other songs.

You may not have heard of English composer Thomas Tallis, but he was just as important to Renaissance music as Beethoven and Mozart were to the Classical era. He was a pretty interesting chap, too! Did you know: Thomas Tallis’ wrote music for four of the five Tudor kings and queens He had to hide his Catholic faith to avoid persecution by the Church Almost all of his music is written to be sung without instruments In later life, he was one of only two people allowed to print music in England! Find the answers to these and many more questions about one of the greatest composers of early ...

Much like The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs Of Christmas, The Stories Behind The Great Traditions of Christmas and More Stories Behind The Best Loved Songs of Christmas this new Collins Christmas book will fill a void in the book world.

Saigon is mostly known for his recurring role on HBO's hit show Entourage as well as being a legend in the NY underground hip-hop scene for well over a decade. Before there were any film crews and music studios, there was project housing, poverty, and years of being incarcerated that plagued Saigon's life. In this three-part book series, he explains the source of the pain that put him in search of the peace, that would ultimately lead to some prosperity.

Born in the post-WWII turbulence, The Rolling Stones were destined for greatness. This audiobook chronicles their incredible journey, from the gritty pubs of London to the grand stages of America’s top concert venues, where they cemented their status as the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band ever. With raw energy and an unbreakable spirit, the Stones redefined what it meant to be a rock band, proving that rock ‘n’ roll knows no limits.

A concise story of the life of Franz Joseph Haydn, originally used as a tool for instruction. Facts and a series of questions may make this a useful tool for teachers and parents. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

With only a guitar, a tatty copy of the Melody Maker, and his template for the perfect band, Andrew Matheson set out in 1971 to make musical history. His band, the Hollywood Brats, were prepunk prophets - uncompromising, ultrathin, wild, untamable, and outrageous. But thrown into the crazy world of the 1970s London music scene, the Brats ultimately fell afoul of the crooks and heavies that ran it and an industry that just wasn't ready for them.

From DJ gigs in Southampton nightclubs to chart-topping global fame, Craig David found overnight success as a teenager. With no place for feelings of insecurity, he learned to push them down, building a reputation as the man who always had a smile on his face. Further down the line, things began to unravel. All the negative feelings Craig had been ignoring rose to the surface. He had to change his thinking.

Often referred to as the quiet Beatle, George Harrison’s demure and slightly moody visage can be seen peeking out at us from countless Beatles and solo albums. It seemed that George was such a powerful presence, he really didn’t even need to speak. This was the man who bid us to listen while his guitar gently wept.

James Honeyman Scott’s guitar playing elevated the Pretenders’ sound to new heights. His innovative melodies, intricate riffs, and distinctive style brought their music a unique energy and texture. His contributions to tracks like “Brass in Pocket” and “Kid” became iconic, leaving an indelible mark on the rock landscape. Honeyman Scott’s ability to seamlessly blend genres, incorporating punk, rock, and new wave influences, showcased his versatility and creative genius.

The story of Jazz Pianist Don Pullen, as told by his son Keith G. Pullen. Pullen tells a compelling and heart-felt story of his life through the lens of his father's music and notoriety. Some moments will make you smile and others will bring you to tears, but you will see the love a son for his father.

Late on 8th December 1980, the world abruptly stopped turning for millions, as news broke that the world's most beloved bard had been gunned down in cold blood in New York City. The most iconic Beatle left behind an unrivalled catalogue of music and legions of faithful disciples - yet his profound legacy has brought with it as many questions and contradictions as his music has provided truths and certainties. In this compelling exploration, acclaimed music biographer Lesley-Ann Jones unravels the enigma that was John Lennon to present a complete portrait of the man.

The Hollywood Brats are the greatest band you've never heard of. Recording one near-perfect punk album in 1974, they were tragically ahead of their time. With only a guitar, a tatty copy of Melody Maker and his template for the perfect band, Andrew Matheson set out, in 1971, to make musical history. His band, The Hollywood Brats, were prepunk prophets - uncompromising, ultrathin, wild, untamable and outrageous.

Gracias a su valor pudo ser uno de los primeros músicos de su tiempo, pues su padre odiaba la música y se opuso rotundamente a la vocación de su hijo, quien la estudió en secreto, profundizando en ella hasta hacer de su música la síntesis de los diferentes estilos de la época barroca. Aunque se formó en Halle, su ciudad natal, trabajó en distintas capitales: Hamburgo, Roma, Hannover y Londres, aprendiendo de sus distintas escuelas y estilos.

The remarkable story of the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, told from a Christian perspective, for Christian children. This eBook is wholesome and entertaining. Your child will learn as much about the making of fine music as about Bach's fascinating life. Both the child and the adult reader will come away enlightened and inspired. Most all modern stories about Bach leave out any reference to God's own hand upon the man, and Bach’s personal struggles in front of that God. It is sadly a strange omission by our secular pop culture, as Bach purposefully wrote soli deo gloria ("to God alone be ...

The late, great Ginger Baker is, without question, the foremost drummer of his generation, having formed supergroups Cream and Blind Faith. In the early 1990s, Geoffrey Giuliano received a call from Baker asking if he would be interested in writing his autobiography. From there, a turbulent yet fruitful relationship ensued between the two. While the book they wrote has yet to be published, here, at last, are the exclusive, in-depth, upfront, and highly personal conversations the two unlikely friends recorded in a Western New York studio all those years ago.

Tu te demandes sans doute pourquoi je viens te parler de la musique de Frédéric Chopin né en 1810. Crois-le ou non, c’est qu’il est toujours en vogue, et non seulement dans les salles de concert. Figure-toi qu’on retrouve sa musique dans des jeux vidéo que tu connais sans doute.