Preface
Part 1: J. S. Bach and Other Early Music
Chapter 1: Bach
Chapter 2: Other Early Music
Part 2: John Cage and Other New Music
Chapter 3: Cage
Chapter 4: Minimalists
Chapter 5: Other New Music
Index
Rob Haskins, musicologist and performer, is associate professor of music at the University of New Hampshire. He is the author of John Cage (2012) and has recorded two CDs for Mode Records, John Cage’s Two2 with pianist Laurel Karlik Sheehan and Marc Chan’s My Wounded Head 3.
Haskins is an engaging writer. The reviews are reflective of his
personal musical experience and interests as they trace the
reception of classical music recordings over the past two decades.
Many of his reviews have the feel of a diary, revealing Haskins’
approach to historical performance practice and the aesthetics of
contemporary music while providing a critique of the merits of each
performance. . . .[T]his book is valuable as an overview of twenty
years of publication and public reception of recordings in these
categories. . . .Researchers...may find this book a useful addition
to their personal libraries.
*ARSC Journal*
This collection of Rob Haskins's CD reviews from the American
Record Guide was difficult to get through. These reviews, which are
informative, written with amiable energy, and clearly reveal their
underlying musical values, had me putting the book down after about
every two or three reviews and heading to my computer to hear a
sample of what he had just praised ... In the essential role of
critic as advocate, Haskins makes everything that matters to him
interesting and attractive to the reader.... Haskins is experienced
and informed.... One of his academic specialties is 20th Century
American music.... These reviews are fascinating to read just from
the standpoint of his experience, which adds a foundation of
specific and meaningful details to the standard evaluation of
expressive and performing choices.... Technical skill, historical
understanding, and an imagination true to the nature of the music
makes for excitement and satisfaction.
*American Record Guide*
A distinct voice—generous, personal, both open-minded and highly
specific. It is a pleasure not knowing what Rob Haskins will say
next, to follow his elegant thought processes wherever they may
lead.
*Tim Page, University of Southern California*
Filled with many provocative insights and charming
anecdotes, Rob Haskins' book of collected
reviews, Classical Listening was a total joy to
read. Haskins writes very intelligently, informing the reader of
historical context while showing a deep understanding of both
musical and performance issues.
*Brad Lubman, Eastman School of Music; founding co-artistic
director and music director of Ensemble Signal*
An incredibly thorough volume that manages to be both scholarly in
detail and engaging as a fascinating read for any music
lover—indispensable and hard to put down.
*Zsolt Bognár, concert pianist and host, Living the Classical Life*
Ask a Question About this Product More... |