While we were on the subject of looking for good music references ... does anyone have a recommendation on a good music dictionary? I realise there are good music dictionary sites on the web, but sometimes it's nice to be able to grab a book and leaf through its pages. Size, length, cost not a concern, just something that would serve as a good resource.

Thanks much!

-- Lyn Francisco (cartilagineol@hotmail.com), August 15, 2001

Answers

And I would like one with a sense of humor for my students. Ok, and for me too. Mary Jo

-- Mary Jo (noname-poster@yahoo.com), August 16, 2001.

Schirmer's "Pocket Manual of Musical Terms" has come in real handy for me. It mainly contains definitions of musical terms, but it also includes elements of notation, and a biographical list of famous musicians. I'm afraid it's not much on humor, though. It's small size and MANY definitions are what I like the most about it.

-- Andrew (superfriend2k@yahoo.com), August 17, 2001.

The New Harvard Dictionary of Music is a wonderful resource for musical terms. It has a companion book of composers (sold separately). I have seen both at Barnes & Noble. If you prefer a more elaborate version, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is VERY thorough. Its several volumes resembles a small encyclopedia set. Either one of these would be useful to you, although New Harvard would probably be more practical. If you live near a college or university with a music department, you might check the library's music section for suggestions (our campus library has its own music library). I hope this helps you.

-- Claire (CCMacBeth@hotmail.com), September 23, 2001.