This book originated in the popular ABC FM series 'The Classical Music Explorer', broadcast in 2001 and 2002 -- but the range of this book is broader.As the title implies, Guy Noble explores some facets of music and the lives and expertise of those involved in writing and performing it. These include not only the 'greats' -- Verdi, Handel, Sondheim, Lloyd-Webber, Duke Ellington -- but those whose contribution is often underrated (the accompanist), frequently overrated (the conductor), and the occasionally ignored (the music broadcaster!).One feature of this book is a series of 'this is your life'-type 'interviews' between Guy and various famous composers, including Mozart, Clara Schumann and Handel.