This handsome new reference is an encyclopedic record of Western music from the Middle Ages to the present day. With a lively text and copious illustrations, each volume is a complete survey of the period it covers; together the four volumes present a history of Western music as a whole. Written by renowned musical authorities, Heritage of Music is meant for everyone who enjoys music.From oratorios to computer composition, the cultural climate of each period's music is carefully delineated. Pertinent illustrations, integrated with the text, amplify and complement it. Entire chapters are devoted to each of the best known musicians of each period, with detailed histories of their lives and work, and astute commentary about how their music related to their personalities.A consistent approach is used in each volume. After a general introduction the chapters cover the main musical developments and personalities of the time. Between these, at appropriate points, each volume contains "interludes": short sections that give in-depth treatment of topics not covered in the chapters, including aspects of music history, the keyboard, the orchestra, opera houses, and more.Authoritative, comprehensive, and profusely illustrated in both color and black and white, Heritage of Music is that rare musical reference, of interest to the specialist and casual listener alike.In Heritage of Music you will find:* Comprehensive coverage of Western Music from the Middle Ages to the present* Entire chapters devoted to each of the most important composers of each period* Illustrations throughout, with art from each musical period presented parallel to the subject matter in order to amplify and complement the text* Special "Interludes" between chapters that offer cogent commentary and descriptive information related to--but not covered by--the chapters* An illustrated biographical dictionary of composers of the period at the end of each volume* A full index to each volume, and a cumulative index at the end of Volume IV for fast and easy access to information in all four volumes* A handsome format (8 1/2 x 11) with approximately 225 color and 300 black and white illustrations in each volume