Dictionary Of Music, the Penguin

One of the most comprehensive music dictionaries available for the general reader in a single volume. Only second the Grove music dictionary which is multi-volume. Each entry is well written and informative. Where a word/term has different uses there is often a series of entries (e.g., prelude). As well as musical terms there are also listed selected composers and performers. For a longer essay in a single volume look for Christopher Headington Illustrated dictionary of musical terms.