Shakespeare's figurative language often relies on a knowledge of musical allusions and references - this comprehensive dictionary unravels the multiple meanings behind over 300 of such terms in their historical and theoretical context.

With an A-Z of over 300 entries, Music in Shakespeare is the most comprehensive study of all the musical terms found in Shakespeare’s complete works. It includes a definition of each musical term in its historical and theoretical context, and explores the diverse extent of musical imagery across the full range of Shakespeare’s dramatic and poetic work, as well as analysing the usage of instruments and sound effects on the Shakespearean stage. This is a comprehensive reference guide for scholars and students with interests in the thematic and allegorical relevance of music in Shakespeare, and the history of performance. Identifying all musical terms found in the Shakespeare canon, it will also be of use to the growing number of directors and actors concerned with recovering the staging conditions of the early modern theatre.

"'essential reading for historians and performers alike.'Ros King, Times Literary Supplement, 2007" - Times Literary Supplement