This widely used text for music majors examines the changing ideals that have characterized music of western culture since the Medieval era from the vantage of the performer and composer. In addition to music theory and philosophy, all facets of music - musical theater, dance, instrumental music, vocal forms, folk songs, religious music, popular music, music in the media - are blended into this colorful and lively book. Useful features of the book include chapter summaries, marginal definitions, a time-line, an anthology of musical examples, a set of compact discs, and an instructor's manual.