The Rest Is Noise

Alex Ross's 'The Rest Is Noise' explores the history of 20th-century classical music, revealing its connections to broader cultural and historical movements.

Ross argues that the music of this period reflects the tumultuous events and radical changes in society.

He examines the works of composers such as Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and Copland, demonstrating how they pushed the boundaries of musical expression.

The book also delves into the influence of jazz and popular music on classical composition.

Ross emphasizes the importance of understanding the social and political contexts in which these composers worked.

'The Rest Is Noise' offers a compelling narrative that challenges traditional views of classical music and highlights its enduring relevance.