ABOUT THE BOOK

THE 100 GREATEST COMPOSERS AND THEIR MUSICAL WORKS
​An Introduction to the Fascinating World of Classical Music

​by Gary A. Smook
(FriesenPress, 2019)

His fascinating exploration takes you inside the rich music and colorful lives of the world’s greatest classical composers. From Bach to Stravinsky and beyond, you will learn how the unique life stories of these gifted composers are reflected in the musical masterpieces that we enjoy to this day.

Designed as an introductory book on classical music, this comprehensive collection presents biographical snapshots of the major composers in the context of distinct historical and stylistic periods and in relation to their notable contemporaries. Special attention is given to recognizing their prominent musical works. The book delineates the many forms of instrumental and vocal music; and it explores the “basics” of tonality, musical structure, performance criteria, the orchestra and its instruments, orchestration, chamber music, and the cataloguing of musical works. As well, the newcomer to classical music will find advice on building a musical library.

This book is an excellent source of information about classical music in a unique and entertaining format. It will help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of classical music, through the great musical heritage of these fine composers.

Reviews

“This compendium of musical biographies offers useful insights and accessible descriptions of various styles, composers and periods. .....should serve as a helpful and handy guide to those new to the genre.”
-Kirkus Reviews


"An absolutely terrific reference written for laymen by a lifelong lover of classical music . . . at once accessible and incredibly informative."
-Editor, FriesenPress

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Your can order your copy of Gary A. Smook's The 100 Greatest Composers and Their Musical Works from most major online book retailers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary A. Smook

Gary Smook has loved classical music all his life. It’s been a constant companion throughout his career as a process engineer, a post-secondary instructor, and creator (along with his wife) of a publishing business. In retirement, Gary wants to share his passion for classical music with a new generation of people who are receptive to developing an appreciation.

​Gary has a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He has written two technical books: Handbook for Pulp and Paper Technologists, 1st Edition (1982), 2nd Edition (1992), 3rd Edition (2002), 4th Edition (2016); and Handbook of Pulp and Paper Terminology, 1st Edition (1990), 2nd Edition (2000). The first title sold more than eighty thousand copies in four editions, and is the all-time bestseller in the paper industry.

He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with his wife, Hilda Wiebe​.

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