A New Dictionary of Music

Vintage Penguin. #R4. A New Dictionary of Music, in its Penguin edition by Raymond Illing, is a compact, clearly organised reference work aimed at students and general readers who need dependable explanations of musical terms and concepts. Illing covers notation, harmony, rhythm, instruments, forms, historical periods and technical vocabulary in concise entries designed for quick, confident consultation. The emphasis is on clarity and practical usefulness rather than exhaustive detail, with cross-references helping to link related ideas. A tidy, accessible Penguin reference, it remains a straightforward guide to the essentials of Western musical understanding.