Classical Listening Two Decades of Reviews from The American Record Guide [Hardcover]

Haskins is an engaging writer. The reviews are reflective of his personal musical experience and interests as they trace the reception of classical music recordings over the past two decades. Many of his reviews have the feel of a diary, revealing Haskins approach to historical performance practice and the aesthetics of contemporary music while providing a critique of the merits of each performance. . . .[T]his book is valuable as an overview of twenty years of publication and public reception of recordings in these categories. . . .Researchers...may find this book a useful addition to their personal libraries.This collection of Rob Haskins's CD reviews from the American Record Guide was difficult to get through. These reviews, which are informative, written with amiable energy, and clearly reveal their underlying musical values, had me putting the book down after about every two or three reviews and heading to my computer to hear a sample of what he had just praised ... In the essential role of critic as advocate, Haskins makes everything that matters to him interesting and attractive to the reader.... Haskins is experienced and informed.... One of his academic specialties is 20th Century American music.... These reviews are fascinating to read just from the standpoint of his experience, which adds a foundation of specific and meaningful details to the standard evaluation of expressive and performing choices.... Technical skill, historical understanding, and an imagination true to the nature of the music makes for excitement and satisfaction.A distinct voicegenerous, personal, both open-minded and highly specific. It is a pleasure not knowing what Rob Haskins will say next, to follow his elegant thought processes wherever they may lead.Filled with many?provocative insights and?charming anecdotes,?Rob Haskins' book of collected reviews,?Classical Listening?was?a total joy to read. Haskins writes very intelligently, informing the reader of historical context while l¢