Bach, Beethoven and the Boys: Music History as It Ought to Be Taught

Um . . . this is a book of humor, not a book on music history. Well, maybe you have to be a music teacher who has struggled with teaching music history to 12-year-olds who are forced to be in your class to fully appreciate it all. I thought it was hilarious, but then, music teachers who have 2000 students a week think nearly anything is hilarious. Go elsewhere for accuracy or historical facts, but for some reason or other, it seems necessary to point out that this IS a book of humor.

I received this book from my violin teacher when I was about 8 years old or so, and when I read this book it really helped me to quickly understand the lives behind the music I was playing. The book also had a great sense of humor, and was easy to understand but also not overly simple. It's a great way to have fun and learn about the great classical musicians, and also for a musician like myself to learn early on about the composers who wrote the music that I now play.

Barber's book was fun, but not all that funny. Some parts invoke a robust chuckle, while other parts were quite lame. But I suppose that is the point. I paid [good money] for this book. In hindsight, it's hardly worth it. I think the glossy cover is to blame. I'd be much more enthusiastic if I paid what the book is actually worth, ... With that said, if you are determined to add this to your library I'd sincerely recommend searching your local used book store for this gem.

Bach, Beethoven, and the boys, was a great book. It was hysterical and insightful. While giving you all the facts, it let you know a little bit about composers private lives.

David W. Barber is an excellent writer and writes about music history in a way that makes it highly enjoyable. It consoles the mind to know that even though they wrote incredible music, all of the famous composers were most definitely human. Bach, Beethoven, and the Boys is a fabulous book and I would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in music