This volume investigates the evolution of Western musical composition and stylistic shifts from the mid-eighteenth century through the late-nineteenth century. The authors, David E. Schneider and Klara Moricz, curate a selection of primary musical scores designed to provide empirical evidence of the technical and aesthetic developments discussed in the companion text, The Oxford History of Western Music. The work serves as a pedagogical framework for students to analyze the transition from Classical structures to Romantic expressions through direct engagement with original compositions.

Academic institutions frequently utilize this anthology as a standard reference for undergraduate music history curricula. Experts note that the integration of streaming audio with the printed scores provides a practical, modern approach to studying complex musical developments.