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.
DICTIONARYMusical 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 EXAMPLESEach 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.
RECORDINGSEach 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 GoodallDavid Bowman was for 20 years director of music at Ampleforth College and a chief examiner for the University of London Schools Examination Board (now Edexcel) from 1982 to 1998. His publications include
Sound Matters (co-authored with Bruce Cole, Schott, 1989),
Aural Matters (co-authored with Paul Terry, Schott, 1993),
Aural Matters in Practice (co-authored with Paul Terry, Schott, 1994),
Analysis Matters (Rhinegold, Volume 1 1997, Volume 2 1998) and numerous articles for
Music Teacher. He is a contributor to the
Collins Classical Music Encyclopedia (2000) and author of the
Rhinegold Dictionary of Music in Sound (2002).
Research services tailored to your needs
We are always prepared to go the extra mile - from researching different themes, to sourcing difficult to find series and editions, all you have to do is ask!
There's no substitute for experience
With decades of combined experience in the industry, our team can find the exact piece of sheet music you need in whatever quantity you require.