The Rest is Noise

Alex Ross published The Rest is Noise in 2007. It provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of 20th-century classical music, tracing its historical, cultural, and social contexts.

Ross takes readers on a journey through the major developments and movements in classical music during the 20th century, from the late Romantic period to the rise of modernism, experimentalism, and beyond. He discusses the works of influential composers such as Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg, Igor Stravinsky, and many others.

Through vivid descriptions and insightful analysis, Ross examines the socio-political forces that shaped the music of the time, including the impact of World Wars, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and the cultural shifts brought about by technological advancements. He also delves into the influence of jazz, folk music, and popular culture on classical compositions.

The Rest is Noise goes beyond music analysis and offers a broader cultural perspective, exploring the connections between music and politics, philosophy, literature, and visual arts. It sheds light on the struggles, controversies, and breakthroughs that composers faced as they pushed the boundaries of traditional music and challenged established norms.

Ross's writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex musical concepts and theories understandable to a wide range of readers. He weaves together historical narratives, biographical sketches of composers, and critical analysis of their works to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the music of the 20th century.