Music encyclopedias allow you to find comprehensive, reliable, scholarly information on composers and other musicians; musical works, forms and genres; historical and stylistic periods; and musical life in countries and cities around the world.
Where are they?
Browse in the Reference Room under these call numbers:
ML 100
General works (multi-subject)
ML 101 .A-Z
General works arranged by region or country
ML 102
By topic, for example:
ML 102 .J3
Jazz
ML 102 .M88
Musicals
ML 102 .O6
Opera
ML 105
Biographical dictionaries (of composers, performers, and other musicians), international in scope
Green Library » Information Center » ML105 .B168 2001 V.1
Entries for more obscure musicians were added and removed as newer editions were produced; a thorough search will include the 5th through the present editions. The preface to the 6th and 7th editions, by Nicolas Slonimsky, provide a fascinating gimpse into the creation of this remarkable work.
Rev. and updated [ed.]. London : Virgin in association with Muze UK Ltd., 2004.
Music Library » Reference » ML102 .J3 V57 2004
Terminology
Dictionaries of music terminology may be general, or may focus on specific topics or eras. Note also the pronouncing dictionary at the end of this list.