Excellent introduction to the forms of classical music, from madrigals and fugues to opera to atonal symphonic poems. Copland gives suggestions for what masterpieces to study. You can then go to YouTube and find excellent performances with scrolling scores to follow from one measure to the next. What fun! My first try was J. S. Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor (BWV 582). Try for yourself. You'll experience new dimensions to Bach's amazing genius. ( )

Este livrinho foi minha iniciação a uma arte pura que é uma das glórias da humanidade. Nenhum melômano pode dar-se ao luxo de ignorar a premissa de que é essencial aprender a ouvir música de forma mais inteligente. Ouvir muita música repetidas vezes. Nenhuma quantidade de leitura poderá substituir a audição direta. O segredo para entender a música – a boa música, evidentemente – está na consciência, na educação do ouvido, na seriedade, na atenção e na inteligência - o mínimo que podemos fazer em prol de Domina Musica ( )

Composer Aaron Copeland begins by reminding people that the best way to learn to appreciate music is to just listen to it. Nevertheless, understanding a little about the various elements that comprise music, the building blocks of a composition, can help listeners not only enjoy but also more deeply understand any musical composition.
I cannot say I have completed the book because I am actually reading it more like a study guide or textbook. I read a little, then turn to either the music Copland has suggested or to other music where I hope to find the components of music the composer incorporated into his work.
I feel like the book has made a difference for me and that I am feeling more closely engaged with the music I am hearing, especially Classical Music which so often carries a deeper meaning and message than is readily available from simply listening to it. ( )

A lot of this is way above my pay grade but it was fascinating and I'm sure something I will return to again and again. It's old-fashioned and a lot of Copland's language is outmoded to say the least (it's like women don't exist) but there's a lot to gain from reading this important work. ( )

Though showing its age this is a great little book. Composer Aaron Copland takes us through basic structures in music to help us understand better when we listen. A pretty didactic, no nonsense style but clear and helpful. I'll enjoy concerts a little more now. ( )