THE SYMPHONY

Professor Robert Greenberg leaps and bounds through this comprehensive study of the structure and development of compositions identified as symphonies. As Greenberg discusses each composer or musical feature, he illustrates his lectures with orchestral recordings. From the first lecture, the listener is struck by Greenberg's energy and enthusiasm for his subject matter. We hear not only the music under discussion, but the professor's performing skill as he takes on the personae of those participating in its creation. His characters speak with modern-day speech patterns and with emotions appropriate to the subjects at hand. These lectures educate by making us think and making us laugh, always a winning combination. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 04/ JAN 05]