The Encyclopedia of Music

by Max Wade-Matthews, Wendy Thompson

A comprehensive encyclopedia of musical instruments,covering all sections of the orchestra. An authoritative guide to over 100 of the most famous classical composers. Fully illustrated.Over 1000 photos & illustrations.

Previously published as separate volumes, The World Encyclopedia of Musical Instruments, and The Great Composers.

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction, History

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[John Davis]

So far as I've been flipping through this gorgeous encyclopedia I have found an error. Page 188 under Rythm and Drama is a picture insert of two men playing Russian Orthodox Church bells, not erecting them as the authors indicate. If you have ever seen Russian Orthodox bell ringing this is exactly what is being illustrated. Lines attached to the various tones of bells are used much like keys on a keyboard. The most wonderous bell ringing in the world.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic illustrated historical reference of the world's instrumental traditions and western classical music. I was disappointed on the section devoted to the banjo, but considering the amount of material covered this encyclopedia is still a valuable source.

[Joseph Weyek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice pictures. Nice essays. Nice book. Good introduction to the 'serious' music of the Western World.

[Nahuatl P Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro de referencia para el maestro o estudiante de música con historia sobre los instrumentos y fichas sobre los más estudiados compositores de los diferentes periodos.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is two in one, one about instruments and the other about composers. It has a lot of pictures in illustrations. It condenses a lot of important information. I recommend it very much.

[Charles Kaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

(10/10)

The first book I ever owned.

[Carlie Crowe]

The encyclopedia of music. (2002). Hermes House.

Citation by: Carlie Crowe

Type of Reference: Encyclopedia

Call Number: Ref 780

Content/Scope: A encyclopedia targeted for high school students. It contains musical instruments and composers.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Hermes House is under Annes publishing. They have a range of subject that they publish, including home books for children.

Arrangement/Presentation: Arrangement is classified. Included in the text is a history of music making and the orchestra, encyclopedia of instruments, compositions, composers, and a glossary.

Relation to other works: There many encyclopedias over music available; this encyclopedia meets requirements for libraries that need a comprehensive reference at a high school level.

Accessibility/Diversity: This will be of specific interest to students who study music and have it listed as a career path.

Cost: $3.23

Professional Review: Cary, P., & Wagstaff, J. (2009). Oxford Music Online./The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians/The Encyclopedia of Popular Music/The Oxford Dictionary of Music.. Notes, 66(1), 129-131.