An introduction to music

Here is an authoritative and informative guide to music by a talented young composer and teacher. It is designed to provide the layman with an awareness of the foundations of music and an appreciation of the value of music in daily life. A book may discuss music in a variety of terms: historical, emotional, esthetic, or philosophical; or it may explain music in social or psychological terms. This book talks of music in its most important—and most frequently forgotten aspect— music in its organic sense. Robert Lilienfeld discusses music in relation to bodily rhythms, breathing and walking and muscular activity, and the experience of gravity—the most primitive of the senses. He explains the acoustical basis of music, examines the major forms of musical expression, and concludes with an analysis of music in our general culture. Concise and graceful, AN INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC instills a desire for active participation in musical experience and suggests practical means of entering upon our musical heritage beyond mere concert going and record collecting. ROBERT LILIENFELD earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees in music at New York University. He is a composer, pianist, and choral director and has given piano recitals in New York and Philadelphia.