Breathing new life into 20th century music

Classical composers are often portrayed as stale historical figures whose work is hermetically sealed in classical music history. New Yorker music critic Alex Ross (below) does a good deal to combat that in his new book, "The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century." Ross skillfully places composers like Richard Strauss, Aaron Copland, and Igor Stravinsky in the flesh and blood struggles of their day, giving the work context and vitality. And if the 543-page book isn't enough for you, Ross regularly updates his blog at therestisnoise.com. If even that isn't enough, you can hear Ross read from the book tonight at the Harvard Book Store. 7. Free. Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-661-1515. harvard.com