The Oxford History of English Music, Volume 2 takes the story of English Music from c.1715 to the present day, following on from Volume 1, published in 1991. It discusses not only the music of major composers but that of many lesser figures, together with folk music, light and popular music, and the social and historical background.
The Oxford History of English Music, Volume 2 takes the story of English Music from c.1715 to the present day. Apart from discussing the music of the principal composers, it focuses to a certain extent on the work of lesser musicians, and includes developments in light and popular music as well as in serious genres. After seven chapters in which the main events are considered chronologically, a further chapter deals specifically with folk music and popular music of all periods, and a final chapter covers social issues not otherwise handled in detail. There are over a hundred musical examples, illustrating all chapters except the last, and all based on original sources.
Caldwell's mastery of minute detail, even at its most intransigent, is convincing and the results highly readable.
