Ludwig Van Beethoven

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

These first two books in the Composer's World series--intended to ``illuminate the lives and times of the world's greatest composers''--are handsome and inviting volumes. Each is profusely illustrated with full-color drawings and paintings of the composers, their peers and scenes from their lives and greatest works; each contains sections of the scores of some of their best-known compositions. The texts, however, are dense in some spots and sketchy in others. The glossaries of musical terms do not define unfamiliar (to nonmusicians) words such as ``fugue'' and ``polonaise.'' A ``List of Works''--actually a sort of tally (i.e., ``Sacred Music Mozart: 17 Masses; 1 Requiem (unfinished) . . . '')--is also included in each book, but indices and bibliographies, which could be useful, are not. Although these volumes are pleasant to leaf through, they will probably be most appreciated by young readers with some previous knowledge of both the composers and their music. Ages 12-up. (Feb.)

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Two well-researched and highly informative volumes that present the life and works of the two composers. In an effort to give readers a perspective and understanding of life in the 18th century, Thompson includes supportive contexts of historical events and social conditions. The numerous black-and-white and full-color illustrations, photographs, sketches, maps, and musical excerpts and arrangements, combined with the list of works and picture credits, make these irresistible. Although the vocabulary and syntax are somewhat sophisticated, the attractive picture book format, a smooth and consistent writing style, and the clear organization will appeal to even reluctant readers. Occasional browsers will find themselves reading select pages out of curiosity. Welcome additions to even the most comprehensive music collections. --Linda Zoppa, Queens College Laboratory Schools