Quick Take

THE AMBIENT CENTURY passionately reveals the drift in twentieth-century music from composers to non-musicians, from strict rules to no rules and from the single note to the sample. From the expanding classical horizons of Mahler, Satie and Debussy to the revolutions in electronic music inaugurated by Stockhausen and Cage; from the Indian-influenced minimalism of Phillip Glass and terry riley to the 'unlocking' sound worlds of Brian Eno and Arvo part; through the epoch-defining music of rock maestros The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix to the pure electronic creations of Kraftwerk, Goldie and Trance - this drift through technology, Minimalism, the rock era and Techno is earthed by the development in Ambient Sound, to the author the most important breakthrough in music of the past one hundred years. Aided by electronics, new ideas and mass consumption, Ambient has established itself beyond question as the 'classical music of the future'.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Ambient Century: From Mahler to Moby - The Evolution of Sound in the Electronic Age

Introduction

In "The Ambient Century: From Mahler to Moby - The Evolution of Sound in the Electronic Age," author Mark Prendergast takes readers on a journey through the evolution of sound in the electronic age. This book traces the rise of ambient and minimalist music from the classical music at the start of the twentieth century up until the ambient electronica and dance that closed the century. Prendergast expertly weaves together the development of 'serious' music in the 20th century, exploring the influence of minimalism, ambience, and electronica on various genres, including rock, house, techno, and 21st-century ambience. With its comprehensive analysis and numerous recommendations, this book is a must-read for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history and development of ambient music.

About Mark Prendergast

Mark Prendergast, the author of "The Ambient Century," is an accomplished writer with a deep passion for new and electronic music. He has written extensively about classical music and rock, contributing to newspapers, journals, and magazines worldwide. Prendergast is also the author of the first definitive history of Irish rock and has made significant contributions to various other books on music. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Prendergast brings a unique perspective to this exploration of ambient music.

Analysis of Views

Comprehensive Overview: Readers praise the book for its comprehensive overview of ambient music, covering its origins, development, and influence on various genres. They appreciate the author's ability to trace the evolution of ambient music from classical composers to electronic artists, providing a comprehensive history that encompasses multiple styles and eras.
Inspiration and Recommendations: Many readers find this book to be an excellent source of inspiration and recommendations. Prendergast's extensive research allows him to introduce lesser-known artists and provide numerous album and performance recommendations. Readers appreciate the book's ability to expand their musical horizons and discover new artists and genres they might not have encountered otherwise.
Detailed Historical Perspective: The book's detailed historical perspective is highly regarded by readers. They appreciate Prendergast's ability to delve into the development of ambient music within the broader context of Western music in the 20th century. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of how ambient music evolved over time, from its roots in classical music to its place in contemporary electronica.
Limited Focus on Modern Ambient Music: Some readers feel that the book's focus on historical aspects and early artists of the ambient world leaves them wanting more information about modern ambient music. They wish for a deeper exploration of contemporary ambient music and its relevance in shaping the genre. However, it should be noted that this is a personal preference and does not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Encyclopedic Format: The encyclopedic format of "The Ambient Century" may not appeal to all readers. Some find it dry, repetitive, and poorly written, preferring more engaging and accessible writing styles. However, others appreciate the vast amount of information provided in this format, as it allows for a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive Coverage: The book provides a comprehensive overview of ambient music, covering its origins, development, and influence on various genres. Readers appreciate the author's ability to trace the evolution of ambient music from classical composers to electronic artists, offering a well-rounded understanding of the genre's history.
Inspiration and Recommendations: Prendergast's extensive research allows him to introduce lesser-known artists and provide numerous album and performance recommendations. Readers find this book to be an excellent source of inspiration and recommendations, as it expands their musical horizons and introduces them to new artists and genres they might not have encountered otherwise.
Detailed Historical Perspective: The book's detailed historical perspective is highly regarded by readers, providing a comprehensive understanding of how ambient music evolved over time within the broader context of Western music in the 20th century. This historical perspective adds depth and context to the exploration of ambient music.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Focus on Modern Ambient Music: Some readers feel that the book's focus on historical aspects and early artists of the ambient world leaves them wanting more information about modern ambient music. They wish for a deeper exploration of contemporary ambient music and its relevance in shaping the genre, which may not be fully addressed in this book.
Encyclopedic Format: The encyclopedic format of "The Ambient Century" may not appeal to all readers due to its dry, repetitive, and poorly written style. Some prefer more engaging and accessible writing styles that can make reading a more enjoyable experience. However, others appreciate the vast amount of information provided in this format for its comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.

Conclusion

"The Ambient Century: From Mahler to Moby - The Evolution of Sound in the Electronic Age" by Mark Prendergast is a comprehensive exploration of ambient music that traces its origins from classical composers to electronic artists. The book provides readers with a detailed historical perspective on how ambient music evolved over time within the broader context of Western music in the 20th century. While some readers feel that it lacks focus on modern ambient music or has a dry writing style, many appreciate its comprehensive coverage, inspiring recommendations, and unique connections between artists through their use of ambience. Overall, "The Ambient Century" offers an engaging journey through the evolution of sound in the electronic age, making it a valuable resource for music enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring ambient music's history and development.