Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound

Praise

Using colloquial language, pop-culture references, and even an emoji, Rhodes makes history and music come alive. Surreal, psychedelic collages by artist O’Neill (Unthinkable, 2018, etc.) reminiscent of Monty Python intros make the book an eye-popping visual experience as well. This dynamic and infectious introduction to classical music is sure to capture a new generation of musicophiles.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

When first approaching any art, nothing enhances the experience like encouragement from a friend in love with the work, and that’s the role played here by concert pianist Rhodes in this vibrant introduction to classical music. His love is palpable, sure to infect anyone who gives classical music (and this book) a chance…More than just a gift book, this provides an easy and entertaining launchpad for music lovers curious about classical but unsure where to start.
—Booklist (starred review)

To counter the idea that ‘classical music is… dull [and] irrelevant,’ Rhodes, a pianist, constructed a guided introduction to a Spotify playlist featuring pieces by seven composers: Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, and Schubert…[Rhodes]’s enthusiasm is infectious. O’Neill’s pleasingly trippy Sgt. Pepper-esque collages slyly reposition bewigged men as psychedelic revolutionaries.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)