Rejecting the need for theories about theories, this book suggests that one can find the meaning of classical musical compositions by attending just "to the facts themselves." Seeking to promote critical and intelligent appreciation of music, the author discusses a range of classical works, pointing out what he believes the composer is communicating and the way in which it is communicated. He examines (and offers examples of) musical games, symbolism, musical tension, melody and melodic line. The latter half of the (...) work is devoted to applying the preceding topics to specific works by Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Ravel, and other composers. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR. (shrink)