A selected list of works, bibliography and discography are also included for each composer. The G. K. Hall, Library Reference Imprint of the Macmillan Publishing Company will publish Volumes I and II in December 1995. The volumes contain newly computer-engraved, modern performance editions of historically significant and contemporary music. The volumes contain orchestral, choral and chamber music, as well as solo instrumental and vocal music shown in full score. Each entry contains a complete work or a complete movement from a multi-movement composition, with location of performance parts noted.
All music scores appear on the page in portrait-orientation to ensure ease of use at the piano.
They announced their initial search for contributors through an extensive mailing and in journals in the United States and abroad. Volume I, Composers born before 1599, contains twenty-two entries beginning with Kassia, written by Diane Touliatos, three articles on Hildegard by Audrey Davidson and Marianne R. Pfau, and one on the Trobairitz by Chantal Phan. Three articles on anonymity by Anne Yardley, Nora Beck and Diane G. Cardamone follow. Jane Bowers wrote the entry on Caterina Assandra, Martin Picker on Margaret of Austria, and the entries on the Caccini sisters include Francesca by Caroline Cunningham and Settimia by Candace Smith. Smith also wrote about Quinciani, Cesis, Orsini and Claudia Sessa, who flourished in 1613.