Title: an inexpensive introductory reference
Product review: I am a fan of Miles Hoffmann's engaging and educational "Coming to Terms" segment on NPR's "Performance Today," and this companion-style book provides an excellent source to follow with. It is like a paperback musical glossary that defines the broadest ideas and terms within the classical music world, in language that is easily understood. You will not see as much detail within the entries as you would find, say, in the thrice-as-expensive "Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians" (my reference of choice), nor will you find as much enthusiasm for classical music as you would encounter in Karl Haas's "Inside Music," two factors which make the NPR book a bit middle-of-the-road. Nevertheless, given its size, price, and approachable contents, I would recommend this guide as THE reference (glossary/dictionary) to use for anyone new to classical music.
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
