The Encyclopedia of Percussion is an extensive guide to percussion instruments, organized for research as well as general knowledge. Focusing on idiophones and membranophones, it covers in detail both Western and non-Western percussive instruments. These include not only instruments whose usual sound is produced percussively (like snare drums and triangles), but those whose usual sound is produced concussively (like castanets and claves) or by friction (like the cuíca and the lion's roar).
The expertise of contributors have been used to produce a wide-ranging list of percussion topics. The volume includes: (1) an alphabetical listing of percussion instruments and terms from around the world; (2) an extensive section of illustrations of percussion instruments; (3) thirty-five articles covering topics from Basel drumming to the xylophone; (4) a list of percussion symbols; (5) a table of percussion instruments and terms in English, French, German, and Italian; and (6) an updated section of published writings on methods for percussion.
'There is much useful information.... Music libraries would no doubt find it a helpful addition to books on the subject.' - Reference Reviews
'Well illustrated with clear, black-and-white photography. Information is well indexed and organized for fast access... a welcome addition to a rather sparse list of percussion reference books that have become somewhat dated... complete and up-to-date... Recommended highly for academic libraries at all levels.' - Choice
'Of particular interest are the superb articles... a valuable addition to percussion reference textbooks.' - Percussive Notes'Impressive, attractive, and authoritative.' - 20th Century Music'A welcome addition to the meager shelf of percussion reference books... an invaluable contribution to the professional and the student, as well as to the scholar and the performer, along with anyone interested in pursuing a greater knowledge of percussion in general.'- Notes'...one of those delightful finds that'll keep you flipping pages, scanning articles and testing your knowledge against that of its authors.' - Victory Review'The Percussion Encyclopedia is a must-have for college libraries... This book is practical, informative, scholarly, yet with a basis in performance... In summary, this second edition Percussion Encyclopedia is reader-friendly, comprehensive, relevant, up-to-date, even historical. The publisher, editor, authors and associated personnel are to be congratulated on this very fine book that I am sure will prove to be most valuable to its fortunate readers now and in the future.' - NACWPI Journal
