MUS 3603W: History of Western Music III

Start exploring your topic with music encyclopedias

Once you've identified your topic, you should start by gathering some background information on it. Starting your research with scholarly, music-specific encyclopedias is a great way to begin! Use these resources to gather trustworthy background info on composers, styles, and individual pieces that can jump start your understanding and help you get more out of resources with a more narrow focus like journal articles and books.
 

Keep the following points in mind when you're reading through background sources like encyclopedias and reference books:

  • Brainstorm a list of 6-8 keywords associated with your topic. These can include key composers or theorists, music terms, or any other words that come to mind. These keywords will give you something to watch for when you're reading your background sources.
     
  • Your list of keywords might change, and that's ok! Keep track of new keywords you identify as you explore the background on your topic. These keywords may get narrower or broader as you learn more about your topic, and it's important to stay flexible - you never know what path your research may take.
     
  • Don't forget to look at the end of the encyclopedia entry you're reading - there may be a bibliography that can point you toward additional relevant resources!

 

 

Oxford Music Online

The Oxford Music Online database includes the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, as well as contents from Grove OperaGrove Jazz, and several other dictionaries and encyclopedias. Browse by topic, instrument, era, region, place type, or occupation, or search by keyword!
 

TIPS:

  • Use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for a relevant entry on your topic; usually, this should be an entry for a composer or a musical genre.
     
  • Once you find a relevant entry, you can use the built-in navigation menus to jump to specific portions of it.
     
  • While reading through your entry, keep track of any new keywords you come across; these will be helpful for future searches.
     
  • Many Oxford Music Online entries include:
    • Composer works lists: These may be a complete list of a composer's oeuvre or selected works, and will often provide information about the dates of composition, premiere performances, and even the current locations of manuscript copies.
    • Bibliographies: these are lists of works that could also be helpful sources for your research!

 

An image of the Oxford Music Online landing page, with arrows pointing to the options to browse in the top-level menu and to the search box for searching by keyword.

MGG Online

MGG Online, is the premier German-language music encyclopedia and an excellent resource for gathering background information on your topic. Like Oxford Music Online, MGG Online includes overviews of the life and works of musicians and composers, information on music genres, and more.
 

TIPS:

  • Click the globe icon to translate contents of MGG Online into the language of your choice! NOTE: These translations are provided by Google Translate, so they’re not perfect.
     
  • Check the bibliography at the end of entry you're reading - it may include helpful resources!

 

A screenshot of the MGG Online interface. A red arrow points to the globe icon on the right side of the screen, with a note that reads "First click on the globe." A second arrow points to the Google Translate drop down menu in the upper left corner of the screen, accompanied by a note that reads "Then choose your language!"

Not finding what you need? Try some broader music encyclopedias

Last Updated: Feb 8, 2024 4:16 PM