| Located in the Music
Library Reference
Section, in MALIC, Jardine Hall room 313 ** Denotes titles located in the general circulating collection in Ablah Library |
Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of
Musicians (Slonimsky) REF ML105.B16
This is a great place to begin looking for brief to
longer biographical entries, and with some works lists. Not as in-depth as
Grove, but voluminous in the number of entries. The latest editions are housed in the Music Library
reference collection, and older
editions in the circulating collections on the 2nd floor of Ablah
Library.
Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of
20th Century Classical Musicians REF ML105.S612 1997
With some overlap, this does contain a different selection of entries
from Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians, focusing specifically
on the 20th century. A second copy is available in Ablah library, 2nd
floor.
The Harvard Biographical
Dictionary of Music REF ML105.H38 1996
This volume emphasizes classical musicians, although jazz and popular entries
are also found here. Yet another option when seeking biographical information.
International Who’s Who in
Classical Music REF ML105.I54
Extensive international coverage of living musicians, with contact
information for each entry. Appendices provide contact information for
orchestras, opera companies, festivals, organizations, competitions and awards,
libraries and conservatories. Older editions are found in Ablah Library, 2nd
floor.
Index to Biographies of
Contemporary Composers (Bull) REF ML105.B9
This source is particularly good for locating information on lesser-known
composers in the modern era. Published from 1964-1987 in 3 volumes this set
indexes 185 sources of biographical information of late nineteenth and twentieth
century composers. Each volume indexes a different set of sources. One checks
the applicable name in volume one. If an entry is found, consult the source
indicated by abbreviation (the abbreviation key is found in the front of each
volume), continue to check volumes two and possibly three if the name is not
initially located.
All Music Guide to Classical Music
REF ML156.9.A385 2005
Find here entries for performers, ensembles, composers and works (note,
works are located under each respective composer). Entries are notable for the
inclusion of recommended representative recordings.
Contemporary Composers REF
ML390.C66 1992
Find here biographical entries including associated publishers, bibliographies
and lengthy works lists.
Brainard’s Biographies of American
Musicians REF ML106.U3 B73 1999
Find here biographical information on nineteenth century American musicians from
a nineteenth century viewpoint, with bibliographies including twentieth century
citations.
Who’s Who in American Music:
Classical REF ML106.U3 W6 1985
Though dated, this covers a broad range of musical occupations. Consider this
when searching for entries of music educators, librarians, writers, editors, and
administrators, as well as composers and performers.
Contemporary American Composers
(Anderson) REF ML390.A54 1982
Although dated, this 2nd edition volume is helpful for
biographical information on lesser-know composers, not covered elsewhere.
Entries often contain at least partial works lists. An earlier edition is
available in Ablah Library, 2nd floor.
Who was who in American History
Arts and Letters REF NX503.Z8 W48
This is an additional place to search for biographical information for
those who were involved in the arts.
** Stage Deaths REF
Z5781.S76 1991
In 2 volumes, this title covers essential biographical information for
international artists of the stage including opera, dance, music, theater, film
and television personalities. Entries include the artist’s stage name, alias or
billing name (where applicable), real name, names of parents, name of spouse(s),
date and place of birth, date and place of death, type(s) or work done, source(s)
of obituaries, and any book-length biographies in English.
A Dictionary of Musicians from the
Earliest Times (Sainsbury) REF ML105.S2 1825a
This was the first major biographical dictionary of musicians in
English. In 2 volumes.
Biographical Dictionary of
Musicians (Brown) REF ML105.B87 1970
This is a good place to find biographical entries of British performers
and teachers, not often found elsewhere.
Biographisch – Bibliographisches
Quellen – Lexikon der Musiker und Musikgelehrten christlicher Zeitrechnung bis
Mitte des neunzehnten Jahrhunderts (Eitner) REF ML105.E4 1959
This set is useful for identifying works (by composer) that are no longer extant. In 10
volumes.
Historisch-Biographisches Lexikon
der Tonkunstler (1790-1792) und Neues Historisch-Biographisches Lexikon Der
Tonkunstler (1812-1814) (Gerber) REF ML105.G38
A reprint of two important early German biographical dictionaries
combined in a 4 volume set.
International Encyclopedia of
Women Composers (Cohen) REF ML105.C7 1987
In 2 volumes, this work provides short biographical entries and works
lists for women composers throughout history. The second volume also contains
some helpful appendices such as a breakdown of composers by profession and
instrument, a bibliography, discography and etc.. Previous edition is located
in Ablah Library, 2nd floor.
The Norton/Grove Dictionary of
Women Composers REF ML105.N66 1994
Another good place to check for women composers, particularly those who
are less well-known. Covers women throughout history, in the standard format
for Grove publications with a short biographical article, followed by a works
list and bibliography where possible.
The Pandora Guide to Women
Composers REF ML390.F85 1994
Covering only Britain and the U.S. from 1629 to the early 1990s, this
contains no works lists, but does have a helpful bibliography at the end of the
book.
Biographical Dictionary of
Afro-American and African Musicians (Southern) REF ML105.S67 1982
For biographical information on Afro-American and African musicians in a
wide variety of music occupations throughout history. With brief but useful
bibliographies.
International Dictionary of Black
Composers REF ML390.I58 1999
In 2 volumes, each entry provides a biographical outline, educational
background and career highlights; a works list, bibliography, an analysis of
their place in musical history and analysis of a selection of their works. This
set is not only international but covers all music genres.
** Directory of Blacks in the
Performing Arts REF PN1590.B53 M3 1990
This title contains brief biographical information along with career data
for those involved in drama, music, and dance. An earlier edition is also ocated in Ablah Library, 2nd floor.
Biographical Dictionary of
Russian/Soviet Composers REF ML106.S68 B56 1989
Provided here are entries for over 2000 composers born in Russia or the
provinces, containing biographical information, works lists and bibliographies.
Les Musiciens Polonais et Slaves
REF ML106.P7 S7 1971
This reprint of the 1857 biographical dictionary of Polish and Slavic
composers, also contains a history of Polish music and musical instruments.
British Musical Biography
REF ML106.G7 B8 1971
Another good place to check for biographical information on performing
musicians of British origin. This reprint of the 1897 work covers Britain and
its colonies.
Who is Who in ACUM REF
ML106.I75 R3
Biographical entries for authors, composers and publishers associated
with the ACUM performing rights organization of Israel.
Dictionnaire des editeurs de
musique francais (Devries) REF ML112.D45
In 2 volumes, this is both a biographical dictionary and a compilation of
facsimile music catalogs of music publishers and dealers in France from the
1500s to 1820.
Music in Belgium
REF ML390.C4 M9
This covers Belgian composers of the early 20th century. Entries
consist of a biographical background and a short listing of major works.
Contemporary Czechoslovak
Composers REF ML390.G3x
Though published in 1965, this specifically covers 20th
century Czech composers. Entries are rather brief.
Australian Music & Musicians
REF ML360.G5x
This contains biographical entries arranged by musical occupation, with
an historical outline and chapters on performing groups/organizations in
Australia.
Percussionists REF
ML399.B38 2000
Containing entries on classical and jazz percussionists, this provides
selective discographies, videographies and bibliographies where applicable.
A Directory of Composers for Organ
REF ML128.O6 H46 1996
With background on composers for the organ, this work is particularly
helpful in locating information about lesser-known composers.
Galaxy of Composers REF
ML390.U5 1988
This provides biographical information about composers of educational keyboard
materials. Covering over 30 composers, each entry includes a works list. One
of the few places focusing on this area of specialization.
A Dictionary of Pianists
(Lyle) REF ML105.L9 1985
With brief entries, this provides biographical information on performers
through history. Doesn’t cover more contemporary pianists, but is international
in coverage. With some black and white photographs.
A Dictionary of Violin Makers
REF ML802.S82
Find here entries for violin makers before the 20th century.
Meister Italienischer
Geigenbaukunst REF ML830.H3x 1965
Limited to Italian Violinmakers, each entry is provided in German,
English and French, followed by photographs of a sample instrument for
identification.
Updated:
June 06, 2012
Contact:
Rachel Crane, Music/Fine Arts
Librarian