This volume serves as a comprehensive reference tool designed to provide accessible, accurate information on the vast landscape of musical history, terminology, and performance. Michael V. Kennedy, an established authority in music lexicography, compiles over 10,000 entries to bridge the gap between academic musicology and the general listener. The text utilizes a structured, alphabetical format to organize complex data regarding composers, specific musical works, and the evolution of performance styles across various historical periods.

Experts and musicologists frequently cite this dictionary as a foundational resource for both students and casual listeners due to its breadth and clarity. Readers often note the balance between technical precision and accessible prose, making it a standard reference for those seeking quick, reliable information on diverse musical subjects.