Lexicon of Musical Invective

The Lexicon of Musical Invective compiles critical attacks and dismissals of composers and their works across several centuries of music history. The book presents scathing reviews, letters, and commentary written about composers who are now considered masters of classical music. Nicolas Slonimsky organized this collection by composer, with entries spanning from Bach through the modern era. Each section contains real historical criticisms that denounced these composers' innovations and artistic choices, often in harsh or hyperbolic terms. The commentary ranges from accusations of musical incompetence to comparisons with cats walking on keyboards and other colorful insults. Many of the most vicious critiques targeted works that later became celebrated masterpieces of the classical canon. The book reveals how revolutionary artistic innovations often face intense initial resistance, while also highlighting the gap between contemporary reception and historical judgment. Its contents serve as a reminder about the limitations of criticism and the ever-shifting nature of musical taste.

Readers describe this collection of negative music reviews as entertaining, humorous and eye-opening. Many note how it demonstrates that even now-revered composers faced harsh criticism in their time. Readers appreciate: - The organized structure by composer - Historical context provided for each review - Slonimsky's witty commentary and annotations - Learning how tastes and music criticism have evolved Common criticisms: - Some reviews become repetitive - A few readers found the academic tone dry - Limited coverage of composers after 1950 - Index could be more comprehensive Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (246 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) Sample review quotes: "A treasure trove of unintentionally hilarious music criticism" - Goodreads "Shows how even geniuses like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky were initially dismissed" - Amazon "The creative insults are worth the price alone" - LibraryThing

Bad Reviews by Liz Rosenberg A collection of initial negative reviews and reactions to literary classics throughout history reveals how even masterworks faced harsh criticism upon release.

Scandals of Classical Music by Norman Lebrecht The text chronicles music history's conflicts, controversies, and bitter rivalries from Bach to the twentieth century.

The Book of Musical Anecdotes by Norman Lebrecht This compilation presents first-hand accounts and contemporary reports of composers' lives, premieres, and musical feuds from the medieval period through modern times.

The Rest Is Noise by Alex Ross The book traces the evolution of classical music through the twentieth century through reactions, resistance, and cultural shifts.

Classical Music's Strangest Concerts by Brian Levison The text compiles historical accounts of classical music's most unusual performances, disasters, and audience reactions from the 18th century to present day.

🎵 Composer Igor Stravinsky called Slonimsky's book "one of the most amusing and witty collections of musical abuse ever assembled." 📚 The book catalogs over 200 years of hostile music criticism, including scathing reviews of now-beloved works like Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. 🎹 Nicolas Slonimsky was not only an author but also a renowned conductor who premiered many important 20th-century works, including pieces by Charles Ives and Edgar Varèse. ✍️ Many historical figures appear as critics in the book, including playwright George Bernard Shaw, who wrote music reviews under the pen name "Corno di Bassetto." 🗣️ The book reveals how Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto was initially dismissed as "music that stinks to the ear," while Debussy's works were described as "the aberrations of a deaf man."