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），著名音樂學傢。齣生於英國，分彆在利茲大學和倫敦的皇傢音樂學院學習，後赴加拿大多倫多大學讀研究生，並獲博士學位。他長期任教於加拿大西安大略大學（University of Western Ontario）的音樂史係，曾任該係的係主任。

唐斯教授的主要研究領域為古典時期的音樂，曾發錶過不少有關這一時期音樂研究的論文。