Written by ten leading scholars, this volume assembles studies of eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century music under the broad rubric of communication. That such an impulse motivates musical composition and performance in this period of European musical history is often acknowledged but seldom examined in depth. The book explores a broad set of issues, ranging from the exigencies of the market for books and music in the eighteenth century through to the deployment of dance topoi in musical composition. A number of close readings of individual works by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven draw on a sophisticated body of historically-appropriate technical resources to illuminate theories of form, metre, bass lines and dance topoi. Students and scholars of music history, theory and analysis will find in this volume a set of challenging, state-of-the-art essays that will stimulate debate about musical meaning and engender further study.

Review of the hardback: 'Two editors have done a fine job of showcasing some of the most interesting voices in music scholarship today. Over the years, the sprightly, optimistic music of the late eighteenth century has fallen victim to some very dull analysis. Here, by contrast, lively ideas meet lively music, with a satisfying result.' Eighteenth-Century Music