As the flyleaf states, Steinberg's book discusses "over 120 works, ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach in the 1720s to John Adams in 1994." The book is organized by composer in alphabetical order. All the usual suspects in the standard repertory are covered, but so are less familiar pieces such as works by Bridge, Perle, Reger and Sessions. It's mostly Piano and Violin Concertos with some Cello Concertos, as you might expect, but there's also Viola Concertos by Hindemith and Walton, Clarinet Concertos by Mozart, Copland and Nielsen, Oboe Concertos by Richard Strauss and Carter, a Flute Concerto by Nielsen, Horn Concertos by Mozart and Richard Strauss, a Trumpet Concerto by Zimmerman and a Concerto for Winds, Percussion and String by Martin. The essays are informative and entertaining and make a great introduction to the concerto form. ( )

This is a well-written guide to the concerto repetoire by an experienced music critic, historian and annotator. It is a companion to his previous volume, The Symphony, and shares the assets of that book. In addition to the standard classic and romantic composers the author has included both less well known concertos by some of the more famous composers, and selected twentieth century concertos. Each entry is enriched by biographical detail, historical background and musical examples. This is a welcome introduction to music for both new and experienced listeners. ( )