Dive into the world of classical music with "Masters of Melody: The 100 Greatest Classical Musicians of All Time." This definitive collection celebrates the most influential figures in classical music, from the Baroque grandeur of Johann Sebastian Bach and the Classical brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to the Romantic passion of Ludwig van Beethoven and the innovative spirit of Igor Stravinsky. Each chapter provides a detailed exploration of a different musician, revealing their profound contributions to music, their unique compositional styles, and the lasting impact they’ve had on the world of classical music.
This essential reference focuses on the lives, careers, and musical contributions of over 150 American pianists from early days of the nation until the present day. Richard Masters spotlights both modern and historical pianists—including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ pianists who either never had the opportunity to win widespread acclaim but were top notch performers or who achieved important careers against heavy odds but were soon forgotten after their deaths, such as Augusta Cottlow, George Copeland, and Natalie Hinderas. This volume also gives attention to important collaborative pianists—none of whom have ever appeared in any volume on classical pianists—and influential pedagogues, some of whom never had significant performing careers but produced important students. Each entry explores an individual pianist’s life and career—from relevant biographical details to impact on American musical culture—and includes a selected list and brief discussion of existing and available recordings, if any. Additionally, an introduction situates these pianists into historical trends. Overseen by a blue-ribbon editorial board, Encyclopedia of American Classical Pianists: 1800s to the Present provides a comprehensive view of the depth and breadth of American pianistic achievement and serves as the most up-to-date work for students, piano departments, music libraries, researchers, and interested pianophiles.
