Description: Some pieces of music survive. Most fall into oblivion. What gives the ten masterpieces selected for this book their exceptional vitality?
Brief description: Harvey Sachs is the author or coauthor of eleven books, including Toscanini and Music in Fascist Italy. He lives in New York City and is on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
Review Quotes: Sachs ... takes readers on a breezy, informative tour of classical music . . . [in] a variety of genres . . . [E]ach selection ... provides abundant cultural and historical background and significant biographical detail [of the composer's life and the larger pantheon of musical greats]. Sachs' lively prose will draw readers in . . . Heartily recommended to every serious lover of classical music.--Edward B. Cone "Library Journal"