Palestrina For All: Unwrapping, singing, celebrating

 by Jonathan Boswell​

This book complements the existing specialised-technical literature, being written mainly for the general reader (including singers, listeners, busy choir directors, wide-thinking scholars).  Drawing on large samples, it identifies many hidden treasures.  While addressing the style and structures of Palestrina's opus in accessible terms, it also explores the emotion, the expressly religious dimensions, and the music as a continuing stimulus to our imaginations. 

Self publishing and not wanting to make money out of it, the author was able to fix on a very modest price.

Reviews & Comments


'An insightful overview that balances analyses of specific musical passages of the composer's output with thoughts on its enduring legacy & impact ....illuminates Palestrina's music so convincingly that one must ....find a recording, & listen with rapt attention to the features Boswell has uncovered .... .He 'unwraps' Palestrina's music for the singer, listener & scholar in this well-written and insightful volume, and for this we are grateful' (THE CHORAL JOURNAL, Ian Loeppky).

"Apposite choices of examples & delicate evaluations ... Self-published to a very high standard ... If you're new to the pinnacle of Renaissance polyphony which Palestrina represents; have already come to love his music & want to know more; or indeed if you want what is now the best introductory volume ... and a comprehensive survey of Palestrina's life and works ... this excellent contribution will suit the general reader & inquiring specialist very well indeed" (MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL, Mark Sealey).

"Wonderful, welcome, long overdue ... not only a powerful distillation of Boswell's and others' research, but also an invaluable guide to programming Palestrina's music both for the liturgy and concert hall ... sets the seal on a grand demystification of both man and music ... It should be on the shelves of music students, choir directors, church musicians, academics, singers (both amateur & professional), and listeners" (CHOIR AND ORGAN, Rebecca Tavener).

​“So refreshing, so personal, so illluminating… I loved this book" (HARRY CHRISTOPHERS, The Sixteen).  “Anyone interested in Palestrina should start with this book" (PETER PHILLIPS, The Tallis Scholars).  “Blends the academic aspects, the practical experience of music-making, hearing & 'praying', & the analysis of many important works... it will enrich all those who engage with it”  (CHIARA BERTOGLIO, University of Bologna).   'Cannot fail to touch & stimulate the reader.'.(PATRICK RUSSILL, Royal Academy of Music & the London Oratory).  "A much needed book ....it's first class"  (ANDREW CARWOOD,  St Paul's Cathedral & The Cardinall's Musick).
PALESTRINA FOR ALL is self-published.  Purchase from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  Paperback £6.23, €7.16, $7.49. Kindle edition £3, €3.35, $3.95.​​