A Guide to Orchestral Music: The Handbook for Non-Musicians by Ethan Mordden (Paperback)
This guide to the basic orchestral repertory proceeds chronologically by the birth dates of composers from Vivaldi to Hans Werner Henze. There is an introductory section on each composer and a concise explication of his most popular and representative works. Also contains a general introduction to the symphony, shorter pieces on the orchestra and performance practice, and a glossary on music terminology.