Composer and instrumentalist Howard Goodall hosts this five-part British TV series dating from 2000 on pivotal events in the history of Western music. Goodall begins with a look at the invention of musical notation by Guido of Arezzo in 12th-century Italy, an innovation that allowed works to be passed down in written form rather than memorized from generation to generation. The second episode proceeds to the discovery of equal temperament—a universal tuning, scale, and key system—tracing its development from the mathematical philosophy of Pythagoras through The Well-Tempered Clavier of Bach. The third episode turns to opera, which Goodall considers the summit of musical expression (he also links opera to the modern musical), while the fourth explores the evolution of keyboard instruments, culminating in the invention of the pianoforte, which—in spite of claims made for the organ—is truly the king of instruments. The final episode discusses the impact of recording, which has altered the essential listening experience, turning it from rare to commonplace, even ubiquitous. Goodall also points out how the dominance of Western music worldwide has led to a degree of cultural standardization that threatens to suppress some extraordinary alternative musical traditions. An exceptionally fine example of fascinating music history presented by an engaging host with a disarming sense of humor (who is also skilled at making difficult technical concepts accessible), Howard Goodall's Big Bangs is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
Howard Goodall's Big Bangs
(2000) 2 discs. 253 min. DVD: $29.99. Kultur International Films. ISBN: 978-0-7697-8719-0. Volume 23, Issue 5
Howard Goodall's Big Bangs
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