The Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians (Harvard University Press Reference Library/Belknap) [Hardcover]

Don Michael Randel (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Harvard University Press Reference Library/Belknap | Publication Date: November 29, 1999

This new compact guide to the history and performance of music is both authoritative and a pleasure to use. With entries drawn and condensed from the widely acclaimed The New Harvard Dictionary of Music and its companion The Harvard Biographical Dictionary of Music, it is a dependable reference for home and classroom and for professional and amateur musicians.

This concise dictionary offers definitions of musical terms; succinct characterizations of the various forms of musical composition; entries that identify individual operas, oratorios, symphonic poems, and other works; illustrated descriptions of instruments; and capsule summaries of the lives and careers of composers, performers, and theorists. Like its distinguished parent volumes, The Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians provides information on all periods in music history, with particularly comprehensive coverage of the twentieth century.

Clearly written and based on vast expertise, The Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians is an invaluable handbook for everyone who cares about music.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Since 1944 (when Willi Apel published the first edition) and down through dozens of revised editions, The Harvard Dictionary has been an indispensable reference tool for everyone involved in music. It contains definitions and explanations of every possible musical term, instrument, and concept, as well as short biographical notes on composers, conductors, and performers. Each new edition expands the area covered, especially globally. A spot check of the contents of this volume reveals that the concise version, edited by Randel (musicology, Cornell Univ.), contains nearly all of the most important entries found in the larger edition. Invaluable--and a bargain. For all libraries.
-Timothy J. McGee, Univ. of Toronto
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Considering scope, reliability, and cost, this is the preferred single-volume music reference for college libraries, even though it overlaps the works on which it is based, which are in most academic collections. It will appeal to undergraduates and students majoring outside music, and will give reference librarians a promising first port of call for many types of inquiry.
--G.A. Marco (Choice )

Since 1944 (when Willi Apel published the first edition) and down through dozens of revised editions, The Harvard Dictionary has been an indispensable reference tool for everyone involved in music. It contains definitions and explanations of every possible musical term, instrument, and concept, as well as short biographical notes on composers, conductors, and performers. Each new edition expands the area covered, especially globally. A spot check of the contents of this volume reveals that the concise version, edited by Randel, contains nearly all of the most important entries found in the larger edition.
--Timothy J. McGee (Library Journal )

The Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians is convenient and authoritative. (Booklist )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 768 pages
• Publisher: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press; 2nd edition (November 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674000846
• ISBN-13: 978-0674000841
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #618,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)