A Big History of Music - 780 pages, soft bound

Beginning with a description of how the elements of music are found at every level of material existence, and referencing cutting-edge physics and cosmology to explain how they are associated with the very creation of the universe, A Big History of Music then proceeds with an assessment of the current working theories on how proto-musical activity in animals and early humans developed into actual music making, as well as a review of the available evidence concerning our prehistoric engagement with music. Music in the ancient civilizations, and its period of deconstruction in the West during the Dark Ages, continues a narrative thread which reveals a powerfully strong connection between music and spiritual endeavors. The standard “textbook” period of music history, from the Middle Ages up through the 20^th century, is adeptly covered; but unlike the typical survey of music’s history, this is followed up with detailed coverage of the popular music genres that originated in America and have since been exported throughout the world, including ragtime, jazz, the blues, rock, and beyond.

“Big History” enthusiasts have just received a major new offering—a large-time-frame view of a specialized historical subject. Conventional music histories may abound, but this is a one-of-a-kind contribution. The vital need for this multi-disciplinary, wide-scale approach to music history seems self-evident now.

This comprehensive survey of the knowledge of music’s relation to human culture is a must read, whether one is a respected academic, aspiring or professional musician, everyday music lover, or well-rounded knowledge seeker.

If you could only own one book about music, then beyond a doubt this is the one.

The sub-title “Everything That Everyone Should Know About Music” says it all. This book will enhance your perception of music and, hopefully, contribute to a fundamental improvement in the way we incorporate music education into the core curriculums of our various schools.