Printed music and writing about music involve the use of complex systems of notation and a wealth of technical terms in several languages. The Oxford Dictionary of Musical Terms provides clear, succinct, definitions of a comprehensive range of the musical terms, in English and other European languages, that are likely to be encountered in Western music, including in jazz and popular musical genres.

Over 2,500 A-Z entries range across a spectrum of subjects, among them: rhythm, meter, forms, genres, pitch, scales, chords, harmony and counterpoint, notational systems, composition and analysis, performance practice, tempo, expression, musical periods, artistic movements, computer applications, acoustics, and many more. Entries provide etymologies, and are fully cross-referenced. Some are illustrated with music examples and tables. An appendix lists all composers mentioned in the Dictionary , with their dates.

An ideal book for composers, professional musicians, those learning to play musical instruments, and members of choirs and musical groups, the Dictionary is also be a useful quick reference book for concert-goers, CD-collectors, and radio listeners.