Dictionary of Western Church Music

Poultney's work provides a guide to genres, composers, and terms that aims to answer questions about and permit more informed choices of music for church services. Within his handbook are approximately 400 entries covering the essence of the Western church music heritage, its various liturgies, and its principal composers from the mediaeval period to the present day. Emphasis has been placed upon the genres of church music, the contributions of eighty of the most significant composers of church music, and on a variety of terms, ranging from "a capella" to "votive mass". The book encourages greater sharing of the accumulated musical heritage of Western Christendom. Among the book's special features is a system of cross-references from entry to entry, as dictated by the reader's need or desire for further knowledge. There are also bibliographical references in many entries that lead to the standard books on church music subjects. In addition, the user can search for relevant information by using the Table of Composers arranged chronologically be genre; or one can consult the lists of composers included in the entries for historical periods.
The appendices contain lists of church music, periodicals, societies, and publishers.