This book opens the world of the ancient Greeks to all readers through easily accessible entries on topics essential to understanding Greek high culture and daily life. The ancient Greeks provided the foundation for Western civilization. They made significant advances in science, mathematics, philosophy, literature, and government. While many readers might have heard of Plato and Aristotle, however, or be familiar with the classic works of Greek tragedy, most people know significantly less about daily life in the ancient Greek world. This encyclopedia opens the world of the ancient Greeks, spanning Greek history from the Bronze Age through Roman times, with an emphasis on the Classical and Hellenistic Eras. The encyclopedia provides roughly 270 easily accessible entries on topics essential to understanding everything from Greek high culture to daily life. These entries are grouped in topical sections on the arts, science and technology, politics and government, domestic life, and other subjects. Sidebars on particularly noteworthy people, places, and concepts provide related information, while primary documents allow readers to delve into the mindset and feelings of the ancient Greeks themselves. Extensive bibliographic references give curious readers direction for further research.
Julius Caesar's life and example have fascinated and motivated generations of people for nearly 2,000 years. This book explores the people, places, events, and institutions that helped define arguably the most famous individual in the history of Rome. Far from being "ancient history," Roman history and culture from the time of Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire have surprising parallels with the political strife and societal issues in 21st-century life. Interest and awareness have also been bolstered by recent successful Hollywood films as well as television series that depict Roman history. All Things Julius Caesar: An Encyclopedia of Caesar's World and Legacy provides a unique reference on topics and themes related to the life and times of Julius Caesar. It offers historically accurate information about what he did—and did not—do, and examines his impact on later eras via images and idealized depictions of him popularized in literature and other media up to the present. The approximately 200 entries in this two-volume set are organized alphabetically according to topic or theme—for example, individuals such as Marc Antony, places such as the province of Gaul, events such as Roman elections or battles in the Civil War, and institutions such as Roman classes, slavery, patrons, and clients. The entries cover all the territories of the Roman Empire during Caesar's time, from Britain to Egypt. The set includes primary documents such as excerpts from ancient letters, essays, and biographies and supplements the text with images and maps. The bibliography provides print and electronic resources suitable for high school and college student research as well as further reading for general audiences.
In Experiencing Jazz: A Listener’s Companion, writer, teacher, and renowned jazz drummer Michael Stephans offers a much-needed survey in the art of listening to and enjoying this dynamic, ever-changing art form. More than mere entertainment, jazz provides a pleasurable and sometimes dizzying listening experience with an extensive range in structure and form, from the syncopated swing of big bands to the musical experimentalism of small combos. As Stephans illustrates, listeners and jazz artists often experience the essence of the music together—an experience unique in the world of music. Experiencing Jazz demonstrates how the act of listening to jazz takes place on a deeply personal level and takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the genre, instrument by instrument—offering not only brief portraits of key musicians like Joe Lovano and John Scofield, but also their own commentaries on how best to experience the music they create. Throughout, jazz takes center stage as a personal transaction that enriches the lives of both musician and listener. Written for anyone curious about the genre, this book encourages further reading, listening, and viewing, helping potential listeners cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the jazz art and how it can help—in drummer Art Blakey’s words—“wash away the dust of everyday life.”
Traces the history of the saxophone from its invention by the eccentric Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the 1840s to its role in the jazz genre in the twenty-first century.
This is a comprehensive instructional text and reference guidebook on the art and craft of jazz composition and arranging for small and large ensembles. It is written from the perspective of doing the work using music notation software, and contains many practical and valuable tips to that end for the modern jazz composer/arranger.
Saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Ornette Coleman, along with pianist Cecil Taylor, was one of the founding forces of the Free Jazz movement which took the music world by storm in the 1950s and 60s. His brilliance as an instrumentalist at first positioned him as a polarizing figure, but eventually brought him recognition as an American original and international jazz treasure. Jazz drummer Michael Stephans explores the personal challenges Coleman faced, the music he created from one decade to the next, and the incredibly positive attitude he maintained in the face of so much negativity throughout his life. Revealing how Coleman became an iconic, enigmatic figure not only in jazz, but in much of contemporary improvisational music, Stephans weaves together analysis of Coleman’s recordings with interviews of those who knew Coleman best. Experiencing Ornette Coleman: A Listener's Companion encourages both jazz devotees and readers with little knowledge of the music to trace the inspirational journey of this now-seminal figure from his early years through the beginnings of the new millennium. Along the way, readers will learn about the music and motivations of the free jazz movement while experiencing an utterly human story of artistic genius and expression.
Many people grimace at the sound of music theory. It can conjure up bad memories of grade school music classes, rattle the brains of college students, and make self-taught musicians feel self-defeated. Music Theory may seem tedious and unnecessary, especially since not many people can read music. Luckily, Music Theory for Dummies shows you the fun and easy way to understanding the concepts needed to compose, deconstruct, and comprehend music. This helpful guide will give you a great grasp of: Note value and counting notes Treble and bass clefs Time signatures and measures Naturalizing the rhythm Tempo and dynamic Tone, color, and harmonics Half steps and whole steps Harmonic and melodic intervals Key signatures and circles of fifths Scales, chords, and their progressions Elements of form Music theory’s fascinating history This friendly guide not only explores these concepts, it provides examples of music to compliment them so you can hear how they sound firsthand. With a bonus CD that demonstrates these ideas with musical excerpts on guitar and piano, this hands-on resource will prove to you that music theory is as enjoyable as it is useful. Don’t get discouraged by the seemingly complicated written structure. With Music Theory for Dummies, understanding music has never been easier! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
The go-to reference for aspiring pianists and keyboard players Piano & Keyboard All-in-One For Dummies makes it easier and more fun than ever to make music! If you don't know how to read music, this book explains in friendly, uncomplicated language all the basics of music theory, and applies it to playing the piano and keyboard. And if you've been playing for awhile—or took lessons when you were a child but haven't played since—you can pick up some valuable tips to improve your playing, or use the book as a refresher course. This indispensible resource combines the best of For Dummies books, including Piano For Dummies, Keyboard For Dummies, Music Theory For Dummies, and Piano Exercises For Dummies to get you up and running in no time. The handy reference helps you to master the traditional black-and-white keys and gives you an understanding of the possibilities that unfold when those black-and-whites are connected to state-of-the-art music technology. Discover the secrets for becoming a master on the piano and keyboard Improve your skills with a wealth of easy-to-apply piano exercises Tap into your creativity and get the lowdown on composing an original song Find out how to use keyboards anywhere using external speakers, amps, home stereos, computers, and tablets Dive right in! This comprehensive book offers the most complete learning experience for aspiring pianists, keyboard enthusiasts, and students of music.
Michael Belardo paints a beautiful picture of scenic Italy in his new book Italy, Thru My Lens: A Photographer’s Guide to Italy. The author has traveled throughout Italy for the last 28 years, and as a photographer, each trip posed another challenge to capture this magical country and its picturesque regions. He says, “I put together a travel book that is photo based. The concept is from the south to the north, each photo represents a place that I hope you will want to visit. The photography for me is very important, and I wanted to give you a little more than a regular travel book. My photos are all places you can visit. Use the images as an inspiration to explore Italy. It’s a magical country and you can never go there too often.” “Michael is not just a great photographer. In his photos, the images, people, places, and scenes come to life, through his vivid depiction and careful attention to detail. You always feel a ‘sense of place,’ and want and need to be in that place. Through ‘his lens,’ Michael shares with you his experiences and emotions as a photographer and story teller.” – Bob Lipinski, founder, Bob Lipinski Consulting “His albums of Italy describe familiar places, with fresh stories to tell. Even the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo of Florence, and il Colosseo in Rome look different from the postcards. Having an Italian background obviously makes a difference!” – Frank E. Johnson, author and importer
The fast and easy way to play this popular woodwind instrument Saxophone For Dummies offers the ideal introduction to this popular and versatile instrument, whether you lack any musical experience or are picking up the sax again after a hiatus. Covering both the alto and tenor sax, this friendly guide explains how to get a good sound, how to read music, and how to play songs in a variety of styles, including classical, pop, and jazz, all accompanied by the audio samples on the enclosed CD. With tips on how to buy or rent the best saxophone, and information on how to care for the instrument, Saxophone For Dummies is a comprehensive guide to playing this popular woodwind alone or in a group setting. Includes tips on buying or renting a new or used saxophone Audio samples of classical, pop, and jazz music are available on the bonus CD Advice on cleaning and maintaining a saxophone If you're picking up a saxophone for the first time or are looking to brush up on your skills, Saxophone For Dummies gives you everything you need to appreciate, understand, and excel at playing this popular instrument.
Julius Caesar's life and example have fascinated and motivated generations of people for nearly 2,000 years. This book explores the people, places, events, and institutions that helped define arguably the most famous individual in the history of Rome. Far from being "ancient history," Roman history and culture from the time of Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire have surprising parallels with the political strife and societal issues in 21st-century life. Interest and awareness have also been bolstered by recent successful Hollywood films as well as television series that depict Roman history. All Things Julius Caesar: An Encyclopedia of Caesar's World and Legacy provides a unique reference on topics and themes related to the life and times of Julius Caesar. It offers historically accurate information about what he did—and did not—do, and examines his impact on later eras via images and idealized depictions of him popularized in literature and other media up to the present. The approximately 200 entries in this two-volume set are organized alphabetically according to topic or theme—for example, individuals such as Marc Antony, places such as the province of Gaul, events such as Roman elections or battles in the Civil War, and institutions such as Roman classes, slavery, patrons, and clients. The entries cover all the territories of the Roman Empire during Caesar's time, from Britain to Egypt. The set includes primary documents such as excerpts from ancient letters, essays, and biographies and supplements the text with images and maps. The bibliography provides print and electronic resources suitable for high school and college student research as well as further reading for general audiences.
The years 91-82 B.C. witnessed the reforms, factional competition, and civil strife that sowed the seeds of the RepublicAes eventual destruction. This book investigates that crucial decade in the social and political development of Rome by re-examining the career of L. Cornelius Cinna, one of the most enigmatic, tragic, yet fascinating, figures in all of Roman history; his regime odominatedo Rome from 87 to 82 B.C. This study attempts to explain how, why, and how successfully Cinna and his faction, as champions of RomeAes discontented and obstacle of RomeAes conservatives, dealt with those pressing problems that then plagued Rome. Cinna emerges as a competent military strategist and an astute politician who, through conviction and ambition, rose to head an unusual coalition. His odominatioo was no military despotism; his faction did not exercise absolute or tyrannical authority over the State. Rather, CinnaAes regime ensured political and economic stability and preserved and promoted the Roman State at a time when it surely might have collapsed. "a this work will be of particular service to cautious students looking for up-to-date guidancea" Journal of Roman Studies
Traces the history of the saxophone from its invention by the eccentric Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the 1840s to its role in the jazz genre in the twenty-first century.
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