Music: Musical genres and history websites

Brief biographies of classical music composers from medieval to modern. Anyone can submit a biography for a composer who does not yet have one. There are links to recordings and sheet music suppliers. The site also suggests a basic repertoire for various periods and strategies for studying music. Reviews of books, CDs and concerts are included as well as a buying guide.

Very brief look at music history from the medieval era through the twentieth century.

Digitized documents including programs, scores, and business documents from the archives of the New York Philharmonic.

Lists of compositions for major operatic composers and lyricists. Links to some librettos.

CANTUS is a database that assembles indices of the Latin ecclesiastical chants found in early manuscript and printed sources for the liturgical Office, such as antiphoners and breviaries.

Gives reviews for upcoming and classic albums. Includes all forms of music.

Covers pop music forms well.

This online book (not downloadable) takes the reader through the theory of improvisation.

Very brief history of folk music with sound files, lyrics and some history.

There are lesson plans and other resources for using the music for sale through the Smithsonian Folkways label.

Information on music with sound tracks from around the world.

Articles and soundtracks on world music.

The Musical Festivals Database (MFD) is a fully-searchable index of programs, personnel, ensembles and venues of musical festivals held between 1695 and 1940. Musical festivals (sometimes called choral festivals) were one of the most important means of concert music production in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This site gives a short (1 paragraph) biography of the maker with city, country, and birth/death dates. If instruments have sold at auction, there is an indication of the highest price received with a link to the full price list and an image of the makers label.