Just what exactly is classical music ...and why should it be a part of everyone's life? Who are the big names behind the classical hits ...and which are the best recordings of their music? What are you supposed to wear to a classical concert ...and when on earth are you supposed to applaud? 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music ...But Were Too Afraid to Ask' answers these questions and much more. In the pages of this book, Darren Henley and Sam Jackson set out to make the classical world not only accessible, but also disarmingly simple and utterly engrossing, as they share their passion for the greatest music ever written. Celebrating 20 years of the world's most successful classical music radio station, this book lifts the lid on the burning questions that Classic FM's listeners have most often asked over the past two decades. Three sections steer you through the terminology and etiquette of classical music, open the fascinating history of the genre and its key figures over the last 1,000 years, and provide a detailed reference guide. Since its transmitters were first switched on in 1992, the team behind Classic FM has believed that classical music can and should be a part of everyone's life, no matter who they are or where they live. So, whether you are a long-time listener or completely new to the genre this book equips you to begin your own personal journey of discovery into the world's greatest music.

Contents INTRODUCTION VII HOW TO USE THIS BOOK XII I. GETTING INTO CLASSICAL MUSIC 2 1 UNRAVELLING THE JARGON 7 2 LISTENING TO CLASSICAL MUSIC LIVE 27 3 YOUR OWN CLASSICAL MUSIC COLLECTION 40 II. A BRIEF HISTORY OF CLASSICAL MUSIC 60 4 EARLY MUSIC 64 5 THE BAROQUE PERIOD 75 6 THE CLASSICAL PERIOD 91 7 THE ROMANTIC PERIOD 105 8 THE 20TH CENTURY 142 9 THE 21ST CENTURY 161 III. STATS AND FACTS 176 10 WHO WAS COMPOSING WHAT WHEN? 179 11 THE CLASSIC FM HALL OF FAME TOP 300 194 12 WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT EACH OTHER 207 13 CLASSICAL MUSIC USED IN FILMS 210 14 WHERE TO FIND OUT MORE 214 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 217 ABOUT THE AUTHORS 219 INDEX 221