"Does what it sets out to do, providing a useful resource to dip into...tantalising titbits to be had."

(Daily Mail )

"this Friendly Guide is a handy chum." (The Glasgow Herald )

"This has to be one of the best little bargains around." (Manchester Evening News )

"Anecdotal and informative"

(Classical Music )

This book accompanies the Classic FM radio series presented by Tony Robinson in 2006/7 and is a partner volume to the Friendly Guide composers' books (Classic FM Friendly Guides to Mozart, Beethoven and Elgar). The Friendly Guide to Music fills a gap in the market - an accessible guide to, and history of, the classical music that is played on the station. The accompanying CD contains illustrations of the music, with reference to the Classic FM 'Hall of Fame' (a yearly survey of the nation's classical music favourites).

(20061230)

This book accompanies the Classic FM radio series presented by Tony Robinson in 2006/7 and is a partner volume to the Friendly Guide composers' books (Classic FM Friendly Guides to Mozart, Beethoven and Elgar). The Friendly Guide to Music fills a gap in the market - an accessible guide to, and history of, the classical music that is played on the station. The accompanying CD contains illustrations of the music, with reference to the Classic FM 'Hall of Fame' (a yearly survey of the nation's classical music favourites).

Darren Henley is the Station Manager of Classic FM. His radio programmes have been honoured by the Sony Radio Academy Awards, the British Radio Awards, the New York International Radio Festival and the United Nations. He writes regularly for the Classic FM Magazine. Previously, he was a journalist for ITN and Invicta Radio in Kent. (20061230)

2007-11-28 Title doesn't describe contents

I don't think this is a Friendly Guide to Classical Music at all. I think it should be entitled 'A Friendly Guide to Classical Composers' and then it would be very good indeed.
Because it is, simply, a chronological biography of Classical Composers.
There is no information about the development, make up or instruments of the different types of orchestra.
There is no information about the different types of music, eg Symphony and Concerto, Cantata, Opera - all things you would hear referred to on Classic FM.
I bought this for my daughter-in-law - a newcomer to Classic FM - and I am deeply disappointed.