Collins classical music encyclopedia - Vladimir Ashkenazy

This lavishly illustrated book is the most comprehensive single volume encyclopedia ever published

The Classical Music Encyclopedia is a unique package. Ideal for the beginner and expert alike, this fully-comprehensive, single-volume family reference work is organised chronologically, covering the development of classical music from ancient times to the modern day. The book is divided into eras:

Music in Ancient Civilisations
Early European Folk-Song
The Medieval Era
The Renaissance Era
The Early Baroque
Late Baroque and the Classical Era
The Romantic Era
Nationalism and the Romantic Legacy
The Modern Era
The Late 20th Century

All aspects of each era are covered, with entries on composers, performers, musical developments, historical context and instruments, to give a complete guide to the music of that time and how it was evolving and why.

Graphically-led listening guides take the reader through the best recordings of the essential compositions. Unique discovery trails also allow the reader to follow a range of thematic routes through the book.

The entries will be written by a team of experts, with a Foreword by the acclaimed Vladimir Achkenazy

The book is designed as a comprehensive introduction to classical music. It can be used as a home-based introduction to the subject, an educational tool, or as a primary academic resource for experts.