The Billboard Encyclopedia of Classical Music
by By Sadie, Stanley (EDT) and Ashkenazy, Vladimir (FRW)
Category: Music , Genres & Styles , Classical

This reference for scholars and general readers traces the development of Western classical music from medieval times through the end of the 20th century. Each of nine chronologically arranged chapters contains an introduction to the period, followed by separate sections containing biographies of important figures, examinations of musical styles and forms, and discussions of musical instruments. Recommended recordings are listed for each composer. Editor Stanley Sadie, who was music critic for  The Times  (London) for 20 years, has incorporated contributions from a long list of musicologists. Famed musician Vladimir Ashknazy provides a brief forewrod.  This is an American edition of a 2003 book created and produced by Flame Tree Publishing (UK). Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)