Dec 10th, 2004 · In the new Oxford History of Western Music, musicologist Richard Taruskin explores the music of Europe and America from the rise of musical notation in the eighth century to the beginning of the 21st. He joins NPR's Fred Child for a series on five pivotal moments in the history of Western music.
Dec 7th, 2004 · In 1685, within a period of eight months, three master composers were born: Scarlatti, Handel and Bach. Although each was extremely influential, they worked in very different ways because of their contrasting demands. Richard Taruskin, discusses the divergent paths of these three men.
Dec 6th, 2004 · When European musical notation began in the 8th and 9th centuries, the Western world was already filled with music. Sacred chants and secular songs were rich with melody, rhythm and harmony. Richard Taruskin begins our chronicle with the early music of the church.