Download The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century Audiobook

" Brilliant on twentieth century music. We listened to an audiobook version which is far and away the best, because it includes excerpts from the music Ross discusses. The hardback book is on the shelf for reference and we dip into it often. "

" I have four pages of music I want to listen to. I enjoyed all of the information about the development of classical music during the 20th century and the rise and fall of the various schools of music. I also enjoyed the authors remarks about the close relationship between classical and popular music. "

" Ross's acclaimed history of twentieth century music deserves every bit of the kudos he has been getting. Reading it, I not only could place favorite works in a fuller context but also got a sense of the connections among the various "names" from Berg to Stravinsky. Ross also inspired me to go back and listen to some of the pieces after many years of neglect and convinced me to listen to work by composers I have been aware of but not previously interested in hearing. Although his focus is on "classical" music, his history is broad enough to include Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin, Bob Dylan and the Beatles, and more. A great read, and an interesting perspective from which to view the Depression, the two World Wars and the Cold War and other events. "

" So far so pretty great. "

" This book is AMAZING. It was the text for two of my classes in University and I read it cover to cover both times (although not all of the chapters were readings for the course). My favorite part is when he talks about Stravinsky being at a Charlie Parker performance in New York. Parker quoted one of his compositions (I think FIrebird) and Stravinsky "spilled his scotch in ecstasy" "

" I only managed to get about 150 pages in before I had to return this book to the library, but I fully intend to go back in three days and check it out again. It is that awesome. While it is certainly an excellent read for anyone who's into 20th century and contemporary music, what makes it stand out from other well-written books of musical criticism is its ability to tell the story of the 20th century through music. World War One is fought and re-fought by the Second Viennese School and Les Six; the emergence and growing madness of the German state are played out, literally, in concert halls and clubs; and the first tentative notes of possible national and ethnic harmony are heard amidst the wreckage of the first half of the 20th century. I haven't made my way past the Roaring 20s and le jazz, but stay tuned for updates. Coming up: Red China and Mozart! Sonic Youth and Bjork! That crazy John Cage guy! "

" A bit like my second year Music degree classes on the 20th Century but instead of stopping in about 1960 it goes right to the end. So much is included it sometimes reads like a list but the later chapters where connections between classical, pop and jazz are developed are interesting. "

" Overall this is a good book, but is very thorough which can get tedious at times... "

" Fascinating and an amazing resource - if you can plough through it. "

" Again, clearly and interestingly contextualizes musical works in the time and place they were written. Biggest weakness of the book: no accompanying CD or list of CDs to demonstrate music. "

" This is a book for serious music lovers but it is written in a refreshing and lively style and is often illuminating. It sets the music in its social context and covers the whole century. "

" Currently one of my favourite reads. "

" Superb history of twentieth century music and musical innovation. Largely classical, but touches on rock, jazz, hip-hop and other musical innovations that occurred feeding off of the innovations in Classical music. "

" This may well change the way I listen to music forever! Definitely one to revisit as musical moods dictate. I believe the audio-book is very good as it contains the soundtrack... might have to seek this one out at some point. "

" Oustanding: beautifully written, with a deft biographical touch. Has expanded my music library considerably. "

" There are few better broad-view histories of Twentieth Century art music available. Masterful. "

" An epic read, in every sense. Particularly in how long it took me to read, but the vast ambition of the book and its sense of adventure make it worth it. At last hear the conversation that's been going on in the other room for the last hundred years. "

" Without a doubt, the best non-fiction book I've read these last 5 year. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of unexplored music and I keep re-reading it and getting more out of it every time. "

" This book inspired me to listen to a vast range of music I would never otherwise have been exposed to. "

" This is an excellent treatment of the developments in 20th century music. Alex Ross links musical developments to social and political ones. Well written; well researched' well done! "

" I found this book very helpful in understanding the twentieth century music. Also, easy to read and a good balance between presenting the composers' life and the main works. Not only this, but the explanations brought are easy to follow and revealing. "

" extremely compelling and well-written history of 20th century classical music. yes, the author has his biases and favorites, but his overall picture of the various composers and their surrounding political situations is thorough and illuminating. highly recommended. "

" Wonderful - I really enjoyed this survey of 20 century music. I read it in 3 days and feel inspired to seek out works from each chapter. Highly recommended. "