The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music (Helicon arts & music)

Abridged from the acclaimed single-volume "Hutchinson Encyclopedia of Music" (1995), and descended from the highly regarded "Everyman Dictionary of Music", this reference work draws directly on a long and distinguished line of musical expertise, and has benefited from a careful scrutiny and updating of existing articles, as well as over 100 newly-commissioned articles.

It provides the fundamentals of music, in terms of the technical and theoretical aspects which are the essentials of a sound musical education. It therefore comprises entries on various musical genres, forms, annotations, biographies of composers, librettists, instrument makers, patrons, and some famous conductors. It excludes biographies of instrumental performers and singers (apart from some performers who are also composers), publishers, critics, choreographers, and information about theatres and festivals.

With this sharp focus, "The |Hutchinson Dictionary of Music" thus addresses the needs of a wide range of users. Experienced and well-informed professional musicians need one manageable book to which they can turn for instant reference; concert-goers and enthusiastic CD collectors can welcome a resource which is beyond neither the scope of their understanding nor the depth of their pocket; and music students will find it invaluable on all counts.

Comprising over 7,500 entries, over 100 musical examples, a chronology of music from the thirteenth century to the present day, and unique among similar dictionaries in giving musical notation in full, this practically-sized and reasonably-priced volume will give reassurance and pleasure to all.