Orchestral Music

Familiar to conductors, orchestra managers, and music librarians, this compact sourcebook provides information necessary to plan orchestral programs and organize rehearsals: instrumentation, duration, and source of performance materials. The new third edition features 4500 compositions that cover the standard repertoire for American orchestras (a 30% increase over the second edition), better intelligibility in individual entries, and a more useful system of appendixes.

One series of appendixes presents categorical lists of various sorts — solo voice, solo instrumentation, duration, and chorus — aiding the user in finding pieces that conform to a desired characteristic. Another appendix lists composers grouped by their nationality, ethnicity, or other category useful in programming (e.g., women composers). Yet another appendix lists significant anniversaries of composers, which is useful for someone who wants to plan an orchestra program to celebrate a composer's birth or death. Finally, the handbook provides addresses and phone numbers for publishers and additional information resources.