| Analyses of 101 Classical Music Masterpieces Contributor(s): Valente, Raymond J. (Author), Valente, Louis J. (Editor) |
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ISBN: 0692866442 ISBN-13: 9780692866443 Publisher: Louis John Valente Jr. OUR PRICE: $44.99 Product Type: Hardcover Published: April 2017 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Music | History & Criticism - General - Music | Instruction & Study - Appreciation - Music | Instruction & Study - Composition |
| Physical Information: 1.19" H x 6" W x 9" (1.91 lbs) 386 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The selection of the composers and classical pieces reviewed and analyzed in this book have stood the test of time and considered to be among the finest Classical Music Masterpieces ever composed. This book presents a complete descriptive analyses of the structural components that make up these pieces. It defines, for example to a second, when the first and last note of an introduction, theme, bridge-passage, cadenza, coda etc. are played. Consequently the reader will be able to follow, see, hear and understand, from second to second, exactly how and when the component parts were assembled to create a unified masterpiece This book demonstrates that musical pieces are the products of well-thought-out plans rather than random notes on a page. Much like a blueprint a musical idea is first conceived, documented and then executed to reflect the composer's intention. Music is a fleeting changing structure which makes it very difficult, or impossible, for the listener to grasp and absorb the multitude of notes occurring simultaneously and at the speed of sound. In order to understand and get the most out of classical music one should first learn about the composer, the period in musical history in which the piece was created and listen to the piece numerous times. Without doing this, one will have very little understanding of what was heard. At best, one may recognize a familiar passage or a touching melody. These master works are complicated and the more one knows about the piece and how it was constructed the greater will be the enjoyment and appreciation for what the composer created. This book places emphasis on the technical analysis of the music which will help the reader (listener) identify, understand and appreciate the composition. |
Contributor Bio(s): Valente, Raymond J.: - Raymond J. Valente was born in 1932 in a small blue collar town about 30 miles' south-west of Boston. He is a first generation American of immigrant Italian parents. In the spring of 1944 the parents obtained an old upright theatrical piano that was in great need of major repairs, and with some efforts, became playable and was placed in the garage. At age 12 Mr. Valente began taking piano lessons and was very dedicated and never complained about having to practice in the garage. Spring, summer and fall were manageable but the cold New England winters were difficult. In order to practice in the winter, he wore a heavy coat, hat, hood, gloves with cut off fingers and a kerosene space heater placed next to the piano. The issue of toxic fumes from burning kerosene was never addressed. His commitment and dedication to the piano allowed him to overcome many obstacles; nothing could keep him from practicing. Three years later a used upright piano, which replaced the original one, was placed in the house. Mr. Valente took piano lessons for 22 years from various instructors and during the last 10 years he studied privately with George Cohen, a gifted Boston pianist, teacher, coach and mentor to whom much credit is given for Mr. Valente accomplishment as a classical pianist. Mr. Valente received degrees in music from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and advanced degree from the University of Massachusetts. He has been a performer, educator, piano instructor and an expert at analyzing classical pieces in great detail, without the aid of scores, visual aids or electronic devices. For the past twenty five years he dedicated himself almost entirely to the analysis, second by second, of the great classical pieces and documented them as to how they were composed. His only tools are his musical knowledge, a CD, a CD player, head phones, paper and pen. His ability to accomplish this complex fete is a reflection of his extensive fund of musical knowledge. Mr. Valente continues to live in Milford, Massachusetts, his birthplace. |
