Taking the form of a chronological diary from 1600 to the present, this book leads the reader through the centuries, year by year, following the musicians’ overlapping and interweaving lives.

The composers’ own worlds, public and private, spring to life in extracts from contemporary letters and journals, and in hundreds of illustrations, many in full color. An informative introduction traces the history of music before 1600, and special features discuss key works, influences on musical form and performance, centers of musical energy, and changing working conditions. A companion chronology introduces the wider context of important historical and artistic events.

The reference section includes biographies, a glossary of technical words, charts summarizing the history of music and the development of orchestras, and a guide to CDs and performers. 388 illustrations, 160 in color.