From Library Journal
Touted by the authors as "a first stop for quick information," this dictionary provides concise definitions and descriptions of 10,000 musical items, including composer names, titles of works, performers, instruments, and terminology. There is an emphasis on American music, though the European tradition is by no means slighted. Readers expecting a mini- New Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musi cians ( LJ 12/15/80) may be disappointed, as there are no bibliographic references, and occasionally the entries are so brief as to be practically useless. Additionally, there are some startling omissions (e.g., no mention of avant-garde Russian composer Alfred Schnittke, and former U.S. Army band leader James Europe). The sheer breadth is impressive, however, and the quantity of jazz, folk, and pop entries is particularly commendable. The four-language glossary is a valuable feature. Recommended, despite the above reservations, for large music reference collections.
- Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
