---
product_id: 41117225
title: "Language of the Spirit: An Introduction to Classical Music"
brand: "jan swafford"
price: "€ 73.69"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.hr/products/41117225-language-of-the-spirit-an-introduction-to-classical-music
store_origin: HR
region: Croatia
---

# Language of the Spirit: An Introduction to Classical Music

**Brand:** jan swafford
**Price:** € 73.69
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Language of the Spirit: An Introduction to Classical Music by jan swafford
- **How much does it cost?** € 73.69 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
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## Description

Language of the Spirit: An Introduction to Classical Music

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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Beautifully written, simple history of classical music.
  

*by A***Y on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 20, 2022*

Covers history of music, succinctly, and tastefully.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    An Excellent Summary of Classical Music
  

*by J***N on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 27, 2017*

This book is a summary of all of the beautiful music that makes up Classical today.  The author starts with prior to Baroque and continues into the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern periods of Classical music.  During each period, he briefly (approximately 5 pages each) reviews each major composer including what he suggests to be their best music.  During this review, he covers Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Chopin, Wagner, Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Strauss, Debussey, and many others.  He recommends that the reader listen to some of the pieces of music provided in the book.  Many of them I have heard as a governing member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, but some I have not (especially the chamber music stuff).  Some of the music I have on CD, so I took this opportunity to listen to them again.  In most instances, his states are close to mine (I can't say he was right, because taste is personal).  However, some music by modern composers were not enjoyable when I first heard them (and I don't intend on listening to them again unless the CSO plays them) - like Bartok's 2nd piano concerto, and Three Piano Pieces of Op 11,  Both of these pieces of music give me a headache, but maybe you will like them.I think that if you have any interest in classical music or are just wondering if you might have an interest, you should try out this book.  If you haven't followed classical music, this is a good primer for you.  Read the book and listen to the pieces of music that he recommends.  Since I am a Beethoven, Brahms and Dvorak lover, I would recommend starting with them.  You can't go wrong there.  If you already follow classical music, like me, I think that you will still find this to be interesting.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Superb!
  

*by B***B on Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 23, 2017*

This is a wonderful book about classical music!  It is better than wonderful.  Disclosure: Jan Swafford is a friend of mine from the early 1970s.  Back when he was teaching high school music, he developed a reputation for being a great writer.  Not just good, but great.  His career became teaching music at the college level (Harvard undergrad, Yale PhD), composing music, and writing.  He has written biographies of Charles Ives, Brahms, and Beethoven, all well received, as well as a guide to classical music.  But first and foremost he has taught music for nearly 40 years.  This book is a highly readable, brief history of classical music.  It gives short and fascinating biographies of the major composers from each each era, and a listening guide to selected pieces from each composer.  Even while not listening to the music, those guides are good reading.  I suspect even serious, well-read music aficionados will enjoy this fast read.  For those of us who like to casually listen to the classics, but know little about the music or composers, it is a real treat.  This book would be a great way to begin a study of the classics at home, which is what I plan to do. Jan's enthusiasm is contagious.  Highly recommended.

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*Product available on Desertcart Croatia*
*Store origin: HR*
*Last updated: 2026-03-19*