Charles Rosen

Charles Rosen (1927–2012) was an American pianist and musicologist known for his scholarly works on music and celebrated for his performances of a wide range of repertoire. Trained as a pianist, he also wrote extensively on music theory and the history of music, especially of the Classical and Romantic periods. His book 'The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven' is particularly well-known in the field of musicology.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Classical Style

    Cover of 'The Classical Style' by Charles Rosen

    This book is an authoritative analysis of the major musical compositions and stylistic innovations during the Classical period, focusing specifically on the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. The author, a renowned pianist and musicologist, delves into the origins and development of the classical style, examining how these composers transformed the musical landscape with their approaches to form, harmony, and aesthetic. He offers readers a deep understanding of the period's music through detailed discussions of sonata form, the use of motifs, and the balance between melody and accompaniment, providing insights that connect the technical aspects of music theory with the expressive power of the classical repertoire.

    The 3082nd Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Romantic Generation

    Cover of 'The Romantic Generation' by Charles Rosen

    "The Romantic Generation" explores the rich panorama of music and artistic ideas that emerged during the early Romantic period, focusing on the lives, works, and influences of key composers such as Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt. The book delves into how these composers were not only pivotal in shaping the music of their time but also how their innovative contributions reflected and influenced broader cultural and intellectual movements of the era. Through a blend of musical analysis, historical context, and insightful interpretation, the book offers a deep understanding of how the Romantic movement profoundly impacted the evolution of classical music.

    The 5374th Greatest Book of All Time