Short Synopsis
In Language of the Spirit, renowned music scholar Jan Swafford argues that we have it all wrong: classical music has something for everyone and is accessible to all.

Full Synopsis
For many of us, classical music is something serious—something we study in school, something played by cultivated musicians at fancy gatherings.

In Language of the Spirit, renowned music scholar Jan Swafford argues that we have it all wrong: classical music has something for everyone and is accessible to all. Ranging from Gregorian chant to Handel's Messiah, from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons to the postmodern work of Philip Glass, Swafford is an affable and expert guide to the genre. He traces the history of Western music, introduces listeners to the most important composers and compositions, and explains the underlying structure and logic of their music.

Language of the Spirit is essential listening for anyone who has ever wished to know more about this sublime art.

"Language of the Spirit includes an array of unpretentious, charming anecdotes, stories once universally known but (Mr. Swafford suspects) now need retelling. His book is perfect for people who are curious about classical music but feel somewhat intimidated by it." ---Wall Street Journal

"An upbeat, uninhibited romp through the repertoire." ---Weekly Standard

"Swafford provides excellent suggestions for listening at the end of each chapter, and his entertaining and instructive book encourages us to listen to the breadth and depth of classical music for delight and pleasure." ---Publishers Weekly

"Mr. Swafford entertains as he informs." ---Economist