Shelf Life : Word Up - English Standard Version Bible, an RSV update without inclusive language - Brief Article

National Review, Dec 17, 2001 by Michael Potemra

Dubal discusses the work of more than 200 composers, offering suggested recordings for each. For the sixty most important composers-from Handel to Britten-he provides biographical essays and capsule discussions of particular works. The book amounts to a Lifetime Listening Plan, and it's more necessary now than ever before, as listeners are faced with the most dizzying array of choices in history.

In 1900, Dubal tells us, Vivaldi "was virtually unknown"; now he is a well-known classic, just one of the rediscovered masters with countless works available on CD. Today, one can hold comfortably in one's hand the complete symphonies of Haydn; as recently as twenty years ago a wheelbarrow wouldn't have been able to hold the vinyl version. When everything is available, choices get tough; you need the advice of an expert. Dubal's solid book is a valuable work of reference, and a musical education in itself.