This book is a collection of newspaper reviews and essays by Arthur Johnstone, who was the chief music critic for the Manchester Guardian from the 1890s until his death in 1904. Think of it less as a single story and more as a time capsule. Each piece is Johnstone's immediate reaction to a concert, an opera, or a new piece of music. He covered everything from touring international virtuosos to the fledgling work of British composers like Edward Elgar.

The Story

There's no traditional plot. Instead, the 'story' is the unfolding drama of musical taste at the turn of the 20th century. You follow Johnstone's pen as he grapples with the heavy, complex music of Richard Wagner, defends the intricate beauties of Johannes Brahms against his detractors, and cautiously welcomes new British voices. You see him champion composers he believes are overlooked and politely (or sometimes not so politely) critique those he finds shallow. The narrative is the evolution of his own ear and his mission to educate his readers' ears, too, in real-time.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this so gripping is Johnstone's voice. He's witty, deeply knowledgeable, and never boring. Reading him, you feel the excitement and confusion of an era where music was changing fast. It shatters the idea that everyone immediately recognized the genius of now-famous works. His review of Elgar's Enigma Variations is fascinating because he's impressed but also a bit puzzled—he's trying to understand something genuinely new. It reminds us that masterpieces weren't always seen as such. You're not getting a sanitized history lesson; you're getting the messy, opinionated, and passionate conversation as it happened.

Final Verdict

Perfect for classical music lovers who are tired of stuffy academic analysis and want to feel the livewire energy of music criticism from over a century ago. It's also a great pick for history buffs who enjoy primary sources that crackle with personality. If you enjoy reading critics who have a real point of view—even if you might disagree with them—Johnstone is a brilliant and engaging guide to his musical world. Just be ready for strong opinions on now-forgotten composers alongside the famous names!