At the beginning of this third volume, Brahms and Franck join the ranks of composers from Europe introduced so far in this series, most of whom had their roots in Germany, Italy, France, and Austria. Next our attention is drawn to Russian music and Tchaikovsky, as a representative of that tradition, and lastly to Britain with special focus on Arne, Bennett, and Parry. An especially interesting chapter on the use of music in Shakespeare is included, along with a history of keyboard instruments. As in the other volumes, each chapter concludes with some thought-provoking questions and ideas of things to do to deepen appreciation of the reading.
by Percy A. Scholes