"Sound history, intelligent evaluation, and a good literary style."—Library Journal
"Colorful and interesting … a very valuable addition to our rising literature in musicology."—Saturday Review
"An excellent and eminently readable history."—New York Herald Tribune
This authoritative survey constitutes the first thorough English-language exploration of the concerto as a musical form. The musical form's long and colorful history is explored in critical terms accessible to lay readers as well as specialists, forming a listener's guide, an important musicological study, and a fascinating reading experience.
Examining the social, economic, and personal factors that influenced the concerto's growth, author Abraham Veinus also summarizes the contributions of theorists, composers, and musicians and defines the genre's terms and the changing nature. He traces the early development of the concerto as well as that of the concerto grosso, the early solo concerto, classic forms, Beethoven's characteristic use of the form, the Romantic concerto, and the modern concerto. A pleasure to read and a valuable reference, this volume is an ideal companion for musicians, music students, and lovers of classical music.