A handbook for the musically untutored, a very ABC book to help the listener get the most out of recorded music. Part One traces fashions in music, feeling of style and period of composer; outlines of patterns in orchestral music in very simplified terms, the make-up of the orchestra, instruments and grouping and the contribution each group makes. Part Two presents six programs, with descriptive highlights of each composition selected for the program. Useful for the listener who enjoys music, but wants to know more about what he is hearing. Brief notes on Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Sohumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Liast, Brahms, Tachaikovsky.