Music History Resources

The definitive survey of Western music. Carefully informed by feedback from dozens of scholars, it remains the book that students and teachers trust to explain what's important, where it fits, and why it matters.

Music of the Baroque and its accompanying anthology of scores offer a lively and detailed introduction to European music from 1600 through 1750. It discusses selected works from the principal traditions of the period,emphasizing their distinctive features and placing them within their larger historical contexts. Close analysis of individual works is enriched by material on the social and cultural context of the music, the biographies of representative musicians, and developments in musical style and performance practice.

Music both influences and reflects the times in which it was created. In the Middle Ages, the previous Dark Ages, the Crusades and the feudal system all impacted the types and forms of music in the period. Charlemagne standardized the church mass and promoted the Gregorian chant, to the point of threatening excommunication if any other were performed. Musical notation -- the staff line -- was developed during the period. This volume is a thorough guide to music of the middle ages.

An extensive descriptive chronology provides the backbone of the book, as the great lexicographer, musicologist and storyteller Nicolas Slonimsky offers a narrative walk through the major events in Western music for the better part of the 20th century. A dictionary of terms and a comprehensive index make this a most valuable source.

The 20th century heard a rich sound coming from America: women making music.This encyclopedia represents the first major effort to describe the role of women in all forms of music in the U.S. since 1900. Entries cover such material as, important individuals, biographical overviews, gender issues, education, music genres, honors and awards, organizations, and professions. Each entry concludes with a short list of further readings.