Classical Music Encyclopedia: New & Expanded Edition

The Classical Music Encylopedia, now fully updated, traces the development of Western music from medieval times through to the twenty-first century. Each chapter begins with an Introduction to the era, followed by an A to Z of the key composers and musicians of the era, with an expert's recommended recording for each entry. Within these, the musical greats – from Mozart to Stravinksy – have more extensive entries. The Styles and Forms sections discuss the many different styles of music, from the earliest notation to the minimalism of the twentieth century, while the development of each era's Instruments is also extensively investigated. Written by many of the world's leading experts in the field, this invaluable encyclopedia is comprehensive, easy-to-use and highly informative – an essential guide for readers of all levels.

Stanley Sadie, CBE (Founding Editor, 1930–2005) from 1970 worked as Editor of the standard reference work, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (1980/2000). He wrote extensively on Mozart and Handel and was president of the Royal Musical Association (1989–94) and the International Musicological Society (1992–97).

Vladimir Ashkenazy (Foreword) is a celebrated chief conductor and music director with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and currently Principal Conductor to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Charles Wilson (Consultant Editor and contributor) was senior subject editor for twentieth-century composers on the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians 1997–2000 and editor-in-chief of the Cambridge University Press journal Twentieth-Century Music 2008–12. He is Director of Education in the School of Music at Cardiff University.