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Based upon program notes written by the author for concerts (1980-1989) of the Cincinnati Symphony. Provides useful information about 290 works (mainly symphonies and concerti) standard to the American symphonic literature. The author has much of general interest to say about the life and times of his composers, about circumstances which surrounded the creation and first production of the works in question, about developments in orchestration, instrumentation and performance practice. He avoids bar by bar analysis of the music, but does identify the most salient features of his scores. And (blessedly) he resists the writer's temptation to see in music an invitation to engage in florid word-painting. Good glossary, bibliography; no index, no figures. Annotation(c) 2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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Library Journal Review

This set of approximately 300 essays on the standard orchestral repertory, selected from program notes written by the author for the San Francisco Symphony and Cincinnati Orchestra, is intended for the seriousbut not necessarily technically trainedmusic lover. Kramer avoids the pitfall of mere technical description, finding interesting points to discuss about each composition. The essays are intelligent, attractive, and well written, serving as excellent examples of the program writer's art. Concertgoers and record collectors will find this an attractive and refreshingly informative guide to a major portion of the most frequently performed works. Timothy J. McGee, Univ. of Toronto (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

School Library Journal Review

YA-- Based on program notes written for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, 1980-1989, this wonderful reference work gives a font of information to classical music listeners and students. Kramer writes in an easy flowing style, adding personal tidbits of the composers' lives and circumstances relevant to the music discussed. The purpose of the essays is to increase the audience's understanding and enjoyment of the music, which Kramer manages to do in a knowledgeable and entertaining manner. Arranged alphabetically by composer, the book provides the opinions of other critics as well as Kramer's. The volume has no index but is easy to use , with a substantial glossary and bibliography.-- Jenni Elliott, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Kramer's compendium of program notes, originally written for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, approaches in scope Edward Downes's New York Philharmonic Guide to the Symphony (CH, Sep '77). There is one major drawback, however: Kramer often becomes so involved in presenting biographical information that he finds himself unable to devote much attention to the music. This is unfortunate, because Kramer gives clear explanations that can be understood by an untrained listener when he chooses to focus on the music under consideration. He provides lucid commentary when he has to deal with thorny musicological questions, such as the date of composition of Schubert's "Great" C Major Symphony or the appropriate choice of editions of Bruckner's symphonies. He includes a glossary and a bibliography, but the usefulness of the former is hampered by the brevity of the definitions and the latter lacks such important sources as Stanley Sadie's Stanley Sadie's Music Guide (1986) and Joseph Machlis's books. Although Kramer's work might be reservedly recommended for purchase by a large public library, most libraries would better serve their readers by investing in Downes's guide or Donald N. Ferguson's Masterworks of the Orchestral Repertoire (1954), in which a better balance between biographical information and musical commentary is maintained. -D. Ossenkop, SUNY College at Potsdam

Booklist Review

A series of program notes originally written for the concerts of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra introduces listeners to 290 musical works. The basic repertory includes both orchestral masterpieces and chestnuts, making this sampling useful to beginning students and concertgoers. Kramer efficiently covers pertinent aspects of each composer's career, tells his audience what to listen for in each composition, and briefly covers the style and content of each piece. The individual compositions are listed alphabetically by composer. A handy, intelligent guide that manages to hit a large number of high spots in orchestral history, even if the coverage is sometimes conservative. Glossary, bibliography. JB.