Thomas Forrest Kelly

“We all supposed that scrolls had more or less died out in the ancient world, to be superseded by the codex. This fascinating book unfolds a parallel universe of manuscripts throughout the Middle Ages. The living fossils from antiquity were actually still there, alive and invisible, in every aspect of medieval book production. They just keep rolling, they keep on rolling along.”
- Christopher de Hamel, author of Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts

“A fascinating and scientifically sound study that will be highly appreciated by a wider audience of students and medieval manuscript lovers.”
- Giulia Orofino, professor of art history, University of Cassino

“There is much to admire in Kelly’s concise, well-illustrated, and vivid account.”
- Bernard Meehan, research fellow, Trinity Medieval History Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin

“Marvelously witty and engaging.” — Publishers Weekly

“Mr. Kelly’s fascinating book tracks the centuries-long process by which pitches and rhythms were codified.” — Eric Felten, Wall Street Journal

“Gorgeously illustrated… If you have ever wondered how a system of dots and lines in space came to express the arrangement of sounds in time, this engaging, chatty book explains how… Thomas Forrest Kelly’s witty and colloquial prose style makes the book much more approachable than you might expect.” — Melinda Bargreen, Seattle Times

Music Then and Now offers a vivid introduction to Western music by focusing on 28 works in-depth. Its “you are there” approach—demonstrated by each chapter’s rich historical and cultural context—engages students in the excitement of hearing the music as original audiences did when the music was first performed. Covering all historical periods and genres, the book gives students all the tools they need for close listening. 

"When this book was announced, the only question was whether it would be any good. The answer, emphatically, is yes, and the author addresses both specialist readers and newcomers." -- The Independent

"This introduction may be 'short' but it's packed with good stuff. Authoritative, surprisingly comprehensive for its size, and presented with all of Professor Kelly's usual grace, wit, and clarity." --Paul Hillier, founding director, The Hilliard Ensemble, and former director, Early Music Institute, Indiana University

“In his discussions of the premieres of five of the most significant musical works of the past four centuries, Kelly considers the composer, the cultural milieu, the production, and the reviews of each. . . . Aided by a wealth of pictures and documents, Kelly limns these five epoch-making debuts in engrossing detail.”—Booklist

“Reading about prominent longtime visitors such as Verdi and Wagner and the places they lived, can stir fresh interest in musical figures so historic they often seem frozen in familiar patterns and prejudices. The actions of past and present concert halls, opera houses, theaters, conservatories, churches, libraries, museums, and cemeteries having to do with music and music-makers through the centuries. Armchair travelers will most definitely find something interesting here.”—Allen Hughes, Chamber Music

“A unique and extremely attractive account of the premieres of five musical masterpieces spanning from 1607 to 1913. . . . Kelly paints a vivid and fascinating picture of each premiere by combining information taken from a number of sources, including letters, archival documents, and observations of the music itself. This should appeal to all music lovers.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Kelly did his homework for this interesting book. . . . This well-written and thoroughly documented volume will be valuable and enjoyable for readers at all levels. Essential.”—Choice

"The recounting of the plots is enlivened by the insertion of many interesting anecdotes and asides; numerous illustrations bring the texts to visual life. . . . This book is history from a unique perspective."—David L. Kirk, Fanfar

“This is instructive cultural history—and wonderful fun.”—Harvard Magazine

“This thoroughly enjoyable and informative book will delight all opera lovers; highly recommended.”—Library Journal