The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: The Middle East

"This unique and thoroughly researched resource provides a dynamic and in depth perspective on world music.... It strikes a balance between wonderful illustrations and comprehensive, scholarly entries. Each regional volume includes a CD sampler of that region's music. This source will have wide appeal to both the novice and expert." -"Dartmouth Medal Committee, 2003 "Serious researchers will find this tool valuable." -"American Reference Books Annual, 2003 "The 112 articles in this exceptional reference work provide, for the first time, extensive coverage of musical life in the Arab, Central Asian, Eurasian, Jewish, North African, Persian, and Turkish Middle East in a single, English-language source...The information presented, much of which is not readily available elsewhere, is sufficiently detailed to attract university students and faculty, but is generally accessible to lay readers. A comprehensive bibliography, discography, and film/videographic guide of inestimable value to scholars, teachers, and librarians concludes the volume. Strongly recommended for college, university, and public libraries." -"Choice, June 2002 "The appearance of the sixth volume of Garland's celebrated series...could hardly be timelier....Highly recommended...." -"Library Journal, March 2002

Expert writers present the major traditions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, together with personal accounts of performers, composers, teachers, and ceremonies. A special feature of this volume is the inclusion of dozens of brief snap-shot essays that offer "lifestories" of typical musicmakers and their art, as well as first-person descriptions of specific music performances and events. Also includes maps and music examples.