The Sounds Of Time - A Beginners Guide to Classical Music by Ella Harlowe

The Sound of Time: A Beginner’s Guide to Classical Music from the 1600s to the Present Day is a welcoming introduction to the world of classical music—written for curious listeners with little or no background.

Inside, you’ll meet many of history’s most influential composers through beautifully presented portrait pages and concise, easy-to-follow summaries of their lives, styles, and signature works. Each chapter highlights what to listen for, why the music matters, and where each composer fits in the evolving story of classical music.

To make exploring effortless, the book includes a Listening Index that points you directly toward recommended pieces—so you can read a composer’s story and immediately hear the music for yourself (with clickable links in the eBook and QR codes/short URLs in the print edition).

Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply want a clear roadmap through centuries of music, The Sound of Time is your companion to listening with confidence and enjoyment.