David Bowman

Rhinegold Dictionary Of Music In Sound

This unique and multidimensional resource, for students, teachers and musicians, explains 2, 300 musical terms through three different methods:
> Written definitions
> Music notation
> Audio extracts

From acciaccatura and fragmentation, to ostinato and vihuela - each one is linked to a scored and audio example.

DICTIONARY
Musical terms are defined, covering western music from the dark ages to the 20th Century.
The definitions are backed up by an extensive reference section, including eight chapters on the elements of music:
> Rhythm, metre and tempo
> Tonality, modality and atonality
> Melody, figuration and ornamentation
> Counterpoint
> Harmony
> Timbre and texture
> The structure of music
> Style, genre and historical context

SCORED EXAMPLES
Each musical term in the dictionary is linked to a specially prepared score. For ease of use, precise timings are given so that readers can identify the exact points at which particular compositional details can be heard.

RECORDINGS
Each scored example can be heard on audio CD. There are 274 recorded extracts in total, completing this unique resource.

'The Rhinegold Dictionary of Music in Sound is beautifully put together, clear, unstuffy and thorough. I wish it had been around when I was studying music at school and university, with its long-overdue collation of written explanations, notated music examples and sound clips in one nifty box. The placing of musical terminology in its historical context is particularly welcome and possibly unique on so generous a scale. I am already using it in my research for a new TV series, and love the easy cross-referencing. Delia Smith for music. First rate. '
- Howard Goodall