An Encyclopedia of Quotations About Music - and Notes
An Encyclopedia of Quotations About Music - and Notes
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In this review of An Encyclopedia of Quotations About Music, the reviewer finds a compact, thoughtful reference for anyone who writes or thinks about music. The book assembles observations that illuminate how writers have tried to capture the ineffable, and it is most valuable as a source of memorable lines and prompts for critical or creative work. For readers seeking clear language on what music means, this volume functions as a well-curated companion rather than a textbook, and its strength is the collection's variety and literary tone.
Key Features
- Curated quotations: The book gathers concise observations that help the reader find precise language when describing musical experience.
- Literary perspective: Quotations emphasize the tension between metaphor and literal description, which benefits writers and critics seeking expressive examples.
- Reference use: Organized for lookup, the collection is useful when preparing essays, program notes, or commentary about music.
- Compact insight: Short entries allow quick browsing to spark ideas without requiring sustained reading of long essays.
- Reflective tone: The selections underline how rare good writing about music is, guiding readers toward more intuitive, honest expression.
Who It's For
The book suits music writers, critics, program annotators, and creative writers who need memorable phrasing or illustrative quotations about music and its meanings. It is especially helpful for those who want examples that wrestle with the limits of description and metaphor.
Readers seeking technical instruction, historical surveys, or full-length essays on music theory should look elsewhere; this volume is a reference of quotations and literary observations rather than a detailed pedagogical text.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Concentrated source of memorable lines for quick citation and inspiration.
- Helps clarify how metaphor can both reveal and obscure musical meaning.
- Compact format supports easy browsing and selective consultation.
Cons
- Limited depth for readers who want extended analysis rather than brief quotations.
Specifications
| Title | An Encyclopedia of Quotations About Music |
| Author / Brand | Nat Shapiro |
| Content type | Collected quotations and literary observations |
| Primary focus | Writing about music and the limits of description |
| Intended audience | Writers, critics, program annotators, and students of music literature |
Our Verdict
For writers and thinkers who regularly need eloquent ways to express what music means, this collection is a worthwhile reference and good value. It shines as a source of quotable lines and reflective prompts, though it is not a substitute for deep technical or historical study; buy it for inspiration and concise examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book suitable for academic citation?
Yes, the quotations and attributions can be used as illustrative citations in essays and program notes.
Will this teach music theory?
No, it collects literary remarks about music rather than offering formal instruction in theory.
Who benefits most from this book?
Writers, critics, and anyone looking for elegant phrasing about musical experience will get the most use from it.
Editor's Take
A concise, well-curated reference of quotations that benefits writers and critics seeking expressive wording about music; strong as inspiration and citation but not a technical text.
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