An appreciation of music depends on several factors: the ability to understand differences in musical style, past and present; the reasoning behind the exploration, development and acceptance of new resources for music; the performer's attitudes toward interpretation; and the investigations and general critical writings of scholars.
With 56 articles by musicologists, composers, performers, music sociologists and educators from around the world, the "Companion" presents the most comprehensive survey of current musical thought.
The "Companion" sheds light on all aspects of music scholarship and practice. Its volumes provide a fascinating cross-section of ideas which will undoubtedly stimulate much study and debate. Compiled by leading figures of the international music community under a prestigious editorial team, the "Companion" reflects today's attitudes and practices in one, unified source.
The "Companion" is organized in four parts, which examine cultural, technological, structural and performance practice viewpoints. "Part One" examines the relationship between people and music; the second presents a unique exploration and analysis of music and modern technology. In the third part, the structure of music is explained, including the very latest research in core concepts. The final section covers the complex issues of interpretation, looking at how present-day performers and scholars should approach the instruments and performers of the past.
Written in an accessible style, the "Companion" brings a wider understanding of music to it readers, and addresses key curriculum questions for the future. The extensive index, glossary, and bibliographies encourage the readerto explore music from a variety of angles, and to develop a detailed knowledge of this fascinating discipline. The "Companion" will be an invaluable textfor both music enthusiasts and amateur music-makers.

Unlike many other books about the American founding, this new work by two of the most prominent scholars of American political history emphasizes the coherence and intelligibility of the social compact theory. Social compact theory, the idea that government must be based on an agreement between those who govern and those who consent to be governed, was one of the Founders' few unifying philosophical positions, and it transcended the partisan politics of that era. Contributors to this volume present a comprehensive overview of the social compact theory, discussing its European philosophical origins, the development of the theory into the basis of the fledgling government, and the attitudes of some of the founders toward the theory and its traditional proponents. The authors argue forcefully and convincingly that the political ideas of the American Founders cannot be properly understood without understanding social compact theory and the exalted place it held in the construction of the American system of government.