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Find biographical information?

Baker's Biographical Dictionary Ref. ML105 .B16 1992
lists information on many musical figures with an emphasis on the classical music world. Latest edition is in reference, check the 5th floor for older editions.
*Entries will vary from one edition to another. If the musician you are looking for is not in the edition we have in reference, check the 5th, 6th and 7th editions in the general collection on the 5th floor.

. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians Ref. ML 100.N48 v.1-20
also contains many biographies. The 1980 edition is available in the reference room, and the online version will be available soon.

If the biography is not listed in these sources, or if you want a more detailed article, try a specialized resource, such as:

The New Grove Dictionary of American Music. Ref. ML 101.U6 N48 1986 v.1-4
Many entries have been revised and expanded from the original Grove's. Covers American folk and rock figures not covered in the parent Grove.

The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. Ref. ML 102 .J3 N48 1988 v.1-2
Entries for composers and performers usually include lists of works, discographies, and bibliographies. Some are illustrated.

The New Grove Dictionary of Opera. Ref. ML102.O6 N5 1992 v.1-4
This is the most comprehensive reference work for opera. Articles include biographies of composers, librettists, singers,
dancers, stage designers, critics and other figures from the opera world. Also includes information on opera companies,
descriptions of major opera houses, and plots. Most articles are entirely new.

If you don't find what you need here, try performing a subject search in MaagNet for music--bio-bibliography, or for the person's name, last name first.

Example:
Rossini, Gioacchino

To search for references to biographies online, try biography index.

Didn't find your answer here?  Ask the Multimedia Librarian
Comments or suggestions contact: Ericableu L. Bartik, Multimedia Librarian

This page was last updated on September 1, 2000