A catalogue of polyphonic songs, 1415-1480 /

In this outstanding bibliography, Fallows (Manchester Univ.) "aims to catalogue all polyphonic songs from the years 1415-80 in any European language, providing details of their sources, their availability in modern editions, and their later history." His inventory includes some 2,000 such songs, mostly in three parts, about half of them in French, by about 400 composers (among them Agricola, Binchois, Dufay, and Ockeghem). Forms include the chanson, ballade, rondeau, strambotto, and virelai. Each entry gives full bibliographic details, library locations, and citations to editions and scholarly literature. Musical incipits are given only for textless songs. Short biobibliographies are presented for composers and poets. There is no general index. This is exemplary musicology, a recommended acquisition for libraries that support graduate study in music history. G. A. Marco; formerly, Rosary College