In this, the fourth volume in the Norton Introduction to Music History series, Philip Downs traces the rise and decline of the "Classical" style from the birth of Haydn (1732) to the death of Beethoven (1827). He demonstrates the enormous diversity and constant change that characterised every aspect of music during this period. By dividing his text into twenty-year spans, Downs is able to trace the development of musical style. Within each span he looks at the social conditions and daily life of the musician, and the aesthetics and audience preferences in structures, performing combinations and styles. The lesser composers, or Kleinmeister, are observed, since they are the most accurate mirrors of their times. Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven receive full biographical scrutiny at each stage of their development. Copious music examples and abundant illustrations are also provided.

菲利普·唐斯（Philip G. Downs），著名音乐学家。出生于英国，分别在利兹大学和伦敦的皇家音乐学院学习，后赴加拿大多伦多大学读研究生，并获博士学位。他长期任教于加拿大西安大略大学（University of Western Ontario）的音乐史系，曾任该系的系主任。

唐斯教授的主要研究领域为古典时期的音乐，曾发表过不少有关这一时期音乐研究的论文。