The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century is an award-winning book by music critic and journalist Alex Ross.
Ross’s book is a captivating and comprehensive journey through the history and evolution of twentieth century classical music, with an emphasis on the impacts of war, politics, technology and economics on the music of this period.
Overview
In his book, Ross provides the reader with an accessible and highly engaging account of the history of classical music in the twentieth century.
He traces the development of the major genres and movements, such as Expressionism, neo-classicism and minimalism, as well as profiling the lives and works of some of the most influential classical music composers of all time including:
- Igor Stravinsky
- Arnold Schoenberg
- Duke Ellington
- John Cage
- and Béla Bartók.
The book is both informative and entertaining, bringing to life fascinating stories behind the music.
Writing Style
The writing style of The Rest Is Noise is vivid, comprehensive and detailed. Ross’s enthusiasm for the subject is evident, and the book is filled with captivating stories about the composers and their works.
Ross writes in an engaging, engaging voice and does a great job of summarizing complex musical concepts in easy to understand language.
Insight and Analysis
The Rest Is Noise provides an in-depth exploration of how war, technological advancements and politics had a major effect on the development of classical music in the twentieth century.
Ross carefully examines each cultural phenomenon and its influences on the music of the time, providing clear insight and analysis on the impact of these forces on the evolution of the genre.
Recommendation
The Rest Is Noise is an unforgettable journey through the history, styles and stories of classical music in the twentieth century.
It’s a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and comprehensive overview of the subject.
Conclusion
The Rest Is Noise is an informative and entertaining read, filled with insightful analysis, captivating stories and clear understanding of the evolution of classical music in the twentieth century.
Alex Ross’s enthusiasm for the subject is evident throughout the book, and it is a great introduction and guide to the many styles, genres and composers of this period.
