older textbooks

[pianistimo]

i found an old paperback that one of my husband's relatives might have used in college entitled 'the concerto' edited by ralph hill.  i don't think it is in print any longer, but i love the way it is written.  and, it explains so much and in so much detail.  it was published by penguin books in 1952 and reprinted in 1954, 1956, and 1961.

each of the different composer's concertos is discussed by a different person.  it is very insightful.  if you ever have a chance to go to an antique bookstore or older bookstore, i would highly recommend this book (unless it is again reprinted).  many new things are often found out about music - but sometimes it's just nice to sit down with an old book.

feel free to share any older textbooks or books you like.

[bernhard]

I often found real treasures (and for peanuts too!) in my local OXFAM (a charity) second hand bookshop.

Here is one:

J. D. M. Rourke – “A musical Pilgrim’s Progress” (Oxford University Press – 1942). The book traces the author’s musical journey form not being interested in classical music at all, to start enjoying it through Chopin, and then later finding Chopin really cheesy and moving on to Bach and Beethoven. There are some hilarious passages that would make the Chopin lovers cringe in disgust. Sample:

“Chopin is the great detainer:  After a certain point he does not open up the pilgrim’s path, but rather stands across it.”

“[…] One works through Chopin. The very lucidity of his music has his reverse side, that one exhausts its possibilities”

“But Chopin’s are not flowers of the field. There is no field they belong to. In a certain novel a man, Jones, is described as ‘having no aura’. What we begin to realise about Chopin’s music is that its aura has no body.”

“Chopin’s music expresses his fantasy life [it] exhibits that sort of compensation-fantasy which drives shop-girls to novelettes about young lords and duchesses, and rule ridden school boys to tales of pirates and crooks.”

Then he goes on to bash other composers as well. Excellent read!

(I will be back).

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[thalbergmad]

Anyone in the UK who is interested in old music books should go to Hay-on-Wye.

It is only a small town on the England-Welsh border, but is the 2nd hand bookshop capitol of the World.

I came back with a car full of goodies.

[bernhard]

Yes, I've been there!

[thalbergmad]

I am going back next month, with a bigger car.

[bernhard]

Don't be modest. Rent a truck

[pianistimo]

thanks, guys!  i think it's kind of sad how people want information so fast nowdays.  i like the old style of writing where they take the time to sit down beside you and tell you stuff.  like the guy writing about chopin. even if you don't agree - it's an interesting read.  usually older textbooks are quite reliable about most facts and explain better (or in a way you can understand better ) because more details are added.  i think people knew how to teach better in the 'old days.'  of course, i'll get into trouble on this - but i think technology by itself can't really help kids learn everything.  only facts.  but putting all the facts together and learning how to use them is something that teachers help you do.

[thalbergmad]

pianistimo was once presented with a set of studies by C P E Bach.

She is to modest to tell.

[rc]

thanks, guys!  i think it's kind of sad how people want information so fast nowdays.  i like the old style of writing where they take the time to sit down beside you and tell you stuff.  like the guy writing about chopin. even if you don't agree - it's an interesting read.  usually older textbooks are quite reliable about most facts and explain better (or in a way you can understand better ) because more details are added.  i think people knew how to teach better in the 'old days.'  of course, i'll get into trouble on this - but i think technology by itself can't really help kids learn everything.  only facts.  but putting all the facts together and learning how to use them is something that teachers help you do.

Unless you're talking about public school teachers... After elementary all they do is pump kids full of facts. Take notes, memorize names and dates. It's made as dry as possible, no discernable reason to 'learn' all this, no discernable use for it. Two weeks after school, 90% of all these memorized facts are forgotten. This is where kids get the idea that reading about something is the same as knowing it.