Music

Issued in volumes from 1776 to 1789, A General History of Music is Charles Burney's survey of music from the ancient world to his own century. He treats Greek and Hebrew testimony, the medieval church, the rise of counterpoint, and, at greatest length, modern opera and the contemporary taste of Italy, Germany, and England. The work mixes scores and excerpts with travel knowledge from his continental tours and with judgements of composers and singers then before the public. It is written for both musicians and general readers rather than as a technical treatise alone. The book is a narrative history of musical practice, not a biography or a book of instruction.

Full green buckram binding decorated in red and gold. Pale green endleaves. Brown slipcase.