The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century

by Alex Ross
The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century cover
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  • ID: 9628
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9780007380862
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2011-08-25
  • Reviews: 3

Alex Ross's 'The Rest is Noise' is a sweeping history of twentieth-century classical music, offering a gripping account of a musical revolution. This award-winning book provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of classical music, highlighting the key figures and movements that shaped the century. Ross's engaging narrative brings to life the dramatic changes and innovations in music, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the arts and history. Beyond the plot, the book is praised for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling. Ross's ability to connect musical developments with broader historical and cultural contexts makes this book a standout in the genre. It's not just a history of music; it's a journey through the tumultuous and transformative twentieth century.

Reviews
Ivar Hagendoorn · Ivar Hagendoorn · 2018-11-24
excellent 4.50

The book provides an excellent overview of 20th-century classical music and is a joy to read. It is praised for its lucid and expansive style.

Ivar Hagendoorn, in his blog post, describes 'The Rest Is Noise' as an excellent overview of 20th-century classical music. He finds the book to be a joy to read, with a lucid and expansive style that makes complex topics accessible. Hagendoorn appreciates the book's ability to cover a wide range of composers and musical styles, providing a comprehensive understanding of the era. He also notes that the book is not just informative but also entertaining, making it a compelling read for both professional and amateur musicians. Hagendoorn's overall impression is highly positive, praising the book's ability to make classical music history engaging and enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    "The Rest Is Noise" provides an excellent overview of 20th century classical music.

    It is also a joy to read.

    The style is lucid, expansive, relaxed, at times hilariously entertaining.

The New York Times · Geoff Dyer · 2007-10-28
comprehensive 3.50

The book is an ambitious and comprehensive survey of 20th-century classical music, offering a unique perspective on the era. It is praised for its depth and breadth, though it may be overwhelming for casual readers.

Geoff Dyer, in his review for The New York Times, highlights the immense ambition of 'The Rest Is Noise'. He notes that the book is not just a survey of 20th-century classical composition but also a history of the era. Dyer appreciates the depth and breadth of the book, which covers a wide range of composers and musical styles. However, he also acknowledges that the book's comprehensive nature might be overwhelming for casual readers, making it more suitable for those with a keen interest in classical music. Dyer's overall impression is that the book is a significant contribution to the field, offering a unique perspective on the 20th century through the lens of classical music.

Quick quotes

    This immensely ambitious book aims not only to conduct a survey of 20th-century classical composition but to come up with a history of that era.

    The book is a significant contribution to the field, offering a unique perspective on the 20th century through the lens of classical music.

    It may be overwhelming for casual readers, making it more suitable for those with a keen interest in classical music.

Compulsive Reader · 2007-10-25
engaging 4.00

The book is physically unattractive but offers a rich and engaging exploration of 20th-century classical music. It is praised for its insightful analysis and entertaining style.

The reviewer at Compulsive Reader starts by noting the book's physical unattractiveness but quickly moves on to praise its content. They find 'The Rest Is Noise' to be a rich and engaging exploration of 20th-century classical music. The reviewer appreciates the book's insightful analysis and entertaining style, making it a compelling read. Despite its physical shortcomings, the book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone interested in classical music. The reviewer's overall impression is positive, highlighting the book's ability to make complex musical concepts accessible and enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    First the bad news: this is physically a very ugly book.

    The Rest Is Noise is a rich and engaging exploration of 20th-century classical music.

    The book's insightful analysis and entertaining style make it a compelling read.

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