An Introduction to Musical History

First published in 1955, An Introduction to Musical History is not just another short history of music, but a discussion of its sources and background. It explains how we derive our knowledge of the music of the past, and how music has been affected by its social and political background. Such topics as the influence of language and racial characteristics find their place here, as well as the contributions made by literature and painting. Some of the problems presented by musical history are examined, and an indication is given of the best method of studying it. This book will be an interesting read for students and researchers of music.

Sir Jack Westrup (1904-1975) was an English musicologist, writer, teacher, and occasional conductor and composer.

Preface 1. The Scope of Musical History 2. The Sources 3. The Historians and the Periods 4. The Social Background 5. The Influence of the Church 6. Patronage 7. The Musician and his Environment 8. The Influence of Taste 9. The Study of Musical History