A Musician's Dictionary

by David W. Barber, Yehudi Menuhin (Preface), Dave Donald (Illustrator)

Since 1983, A Musician's Dictionary has delighted a growing legion of readers with its witty, wacky and satirical definitions of musicians and musical terminology. The brand-new edition, revised and expanded, includes dozens of new definitions.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Humor, Reference

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

David W. Barber is a journalist and musician and the author of more than a dozen books of music (including Accidentals on Purpose; Bach, Beethoven and the Boys; When the Fat Lady Sings; and Getting a Handel on Messiah) and literature (including Quotable Sherlock, Quotable Alice and Atonement and other stories). Formerly a writer and entertainment editor of The Kingston Whig-Standard, editor of Broadcast Week magazine at the Toronto Globe and Mail and the assistant editor of arts and life for Postmedia newspapers, he is currently a freelance writer, editor, musician and composer. As a composer, his works include two symphonies, a jazz mass based on the music of Dave Brubeck, a Requiem, several short choral and chamber works and various vocal-jazz songs and arrangements. He sings with the Toronto Chamber Choir and various other choirs on occasion. In a varied career, among his more interesting jobs have been short stints as a roadie for Pope John Paul II, a publicist for Prince Rainier of Monaco and a backup singer for Avril Lavigne.

Learn about his other books at IndentPublishing.com

Reviews

[Veronika · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be better than adding humour to a dictionary? A humourous music dictionary!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hilarious light read in two sittings. Wonderful dry English humour with excellent cartoons by Dave Donald. The two Daves collaborate on many humorous musical books, so I'll be looking out for more. An ideal gift for anyone who's taking their classical music too seriously.
eg.
'French Horn: a brass instrument that resembles a snail, but sometimes moves more quickly...direct descendant of early horn used by hunters...got its present shape when trod upon by a horse. The French Horm is actually German, and should not be confused with the English horn, which is French.'
4/5

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Amanda Witt]

A somewhat hilarious read with the language and descriptions of common musical things and instruments, and parts of performances.