The Penguin Dictionary of Musical Performers.

This is a biographical index of classical instrumentalists, singers, conductors, ensembles and orchestras throughout history and with particular emphasis on the present day. This book was conceived as a companion volume to the "Penguin Dictionary of Music", it is intended as a handbook of the current musical world and to the many once-famous performers who in the past have played an integral part in the development of the music of their time. The dictionary itself provides information about who were the most important performers covering a period of 1000 years of Western music making.

Covering performers from the late 16th century on, this dictionary contains over 25,000 entries for singers, instrumentalists, conductors, significant orchestras, and string quartets. An index to composers whose works are associated with a specific performer is included, as well as notes regarding first performances. As one might expect, there is a degree of overlap with other standard sources, e.g., 29 of 50 randomly chosen individuals also appeared in Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians (LJ 4/15/85). However, the universal, up-to-date coverage of Jacobs's work makes it not only suitable but essential for all but the smallest libraries.
- William J. Waters, Pensacola Jr. Coll., Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.