This reference provides in-depth explanations and examples of more than 3000 musical terms and topics, including biographies of composers. Spanning early history to the present day the dictionary contains explanations of terms, illustrations of instruments, repertory for the various instruments, pronunciations of foreign terms and composers and inclusion of charts presenting additional information on principal ballets, operas and symphonies. Subjects covered include: a capella; afterbeat; bluegrass; cantata; cajun music; chamber opera; digital recording; electronica; film music; guitar; jazz; masque; moment form; open hamony; pedal clavichord; reggae; string quartet; studio music; and woodwind quintet.