THEMATIC AND BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SINGERS, PERFORMERS, MUSICIANS AND THE PERFORMING ARTS.

From Bach to Elton John and from Baroque and chamber music to jazz and cabaret; this is the core and concept of a new encyclopedia on music currently in production and soon to be made available to the public. What is so special about this encyclopedia and what should we expect to see and read in this enormous and ambitious project? We went directly to the source to find out: Ilil Arbel, Ph.D., co-author of The Thematic and biographical encyclopedia of singers, performers, musicians and the performing arts came to the rescue...
 

Q: Ilil, how big is this encyclopedia?

A: We expect it to be around fourteen hundred pages, excluding the year book.

Q: What is the year book?

A: A compendium and appendix to the encyclopaedia, including updated major events in the world of music and entertainment, interviews with artists who made significant contributions throughout the year, new CD releases, major musical productions, and new concepts such as creating a new style worth mentioning.

Q: Are there photos in the encyclopaedia?
A: Of course there are. Hundreds of photos, ranging from illustrations of musical instruments, venues, legends of music, classical composers, to cabaret and jazz performers and divas.

Q: What kind of music do you cover in your eencyclopaedia? Is it only classical? Modern? Jazz? A mix?

A: All of the above and more. Anything that has to do with music.

Q: Is it an American encyclopaedia, focusing on American artists, or an international one?

A: It is both. Music is universal.

Q: What is so special about this encyclopaedia?

A: Unlike the traditional encyclopaedia, which is usually quite rigid and formal, we bring the human touch, while keeping the academic compliance as well. The encyclopaedia is going to be a tremendous learning tool – all that it should be as a good encyclopaedia – but it’s also going to be fun to read, browse, and enjoy.

Q: What are the criteria for inclusion and who makes the decisions about inclusion?

A: Anyone who has significantly contributed to the world of music and entertainment with documented track record can be nominated and considered. An editorial board consisting of a panel of highly respected writers, critics, and historians are going to make the final decision.

Q: When will the encyclopaedia be available?

A: Volume one is to be expected in April, 2007. Volume Two will follow three months later. The year book will appear every year around November.

Q: Where do we buy it?

A: Everywhere. At Barnes and Noble, barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com, Borders and Borders.com, and over forty-five thousands book sellers all over the world. It can also be purchased directly from the Federation – the address is online.

Q: Ilil, last question. Who is going to be on the cover?

A: I have no idea, this is not something I deal with. The person (s) will be selected based on merit by a committee. I am curious myself as to who is going to make it.