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Library Journal - The leading reviewer of library materials in the United States.Library Journal - September 15, 2009 Musicians and Composers of the 20th Century. 5 vols. Salem. 2009. 1800p. ed. by Alfred W. Cramer. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-58765-512-8. $399; Online: Salempress.com REF Cramer (Pomona Coll.) has assembled over 200 primarily academic contributors to produce a solid biographical reference work on 20th-century music for high school-aged and general readers. The work covers 614 composers, performers, and teachers, chosen for musical influence as well as fame. All major genres are covered, from classical to rap, along with many subgenres, such as rockabilly, atonal, and funk. The A-to-Z signed entries range from three to five pages in length and begin with a very brief summary describing the individuals' field and significance, followed by ready-reference information and a list of principal works. The remainder of the entry is divided into four sections: "The Life," "The Music," "Musical Legacy," and a brief bibliography of printed works. The emphasis is on musical/historical analysis, and the writing is clear, succinct, and jargon-free. The work is well supported by a series of appendixes (print and online bibliographies, a glossary, and a chronological list of musicians) and indexes (category, geographical, names, and works). The best, most versatile access to the text, however, is the online edition, which has good functionality and is included in the print purchase price. Case in point: a full-text search on the phrase civil rights (not a topic in the print index of categories) retrieves 31 results, and this creates a category where there was none. BOTTOM LINE This work provides valuable, basic information on the topic as well as multiple, easy-access routes to it. Highly recommended. [Sample articles are available on Salem's web site.] Nadine Cohen, Univ. of Georgia, Athens |
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