Biographical essays on musicians of all kinds but predominantly classical. Famous for its editorial commentary, Baker's includes lists of important works, music editions, and bibliography.

Standard one-volume reference book.

Women composers, medieval to contemporary, are covered. Entries attempt to provide short biographical essays, lists of works, and bibliography. Several appendices of photos, compositions by instrument, and more.

Standard multi-volume work on all aspects of music. Provides definitions of musical concepts, biography and works of prominent composers, bibliography and more. Available online through Grove Music Online.

Biographical entries on gay and lesbian luminaries of the entertainment world, plus overviews of the arts and creative endeavors in which they thrived. Includes suggestions for further reading, useful indexing and cross-references.

10 massive volumes addressing the musical diversity of the globe. Place, social and cultural contexts, processes, institutions--all are examined in their relationship to music. Each volume has a CD of music examples, available in the Howe Media Resources department.

German-language standard reference work on music and musicians, recently updated in a revised edition. 29 vols. cover every aspect of music, both Western and non-Western, and biography. Includes bibliographies and indexes.