Dizionario storico-critico degli scrittori di musica e de' più celebri artisti, vol. 4 Di tutte le nazioni sì antiche che moderne

This extensive reference gathers the lives and ideas of music’s most influential writers, composers, and theorists from antiquity to the early nineteenth century. Arranged alphabetically, each entry offers a concise biography, a synopsis of major works, and insight into the author’s theoretical contributions, letting listeners trace the evolution of musical thought across centuries. The volume shines a spotlight on lesser‑known figures—such as the Roman maestro Sabbatini and the Italian scholar Sacchi—while also revisiting the achievements of celebrated names, providing a balanced portrait of the field’s development. Rich with dates, publishing details, and occasional commentary on controversies, it serves both as a handy guide for curious listeners and a springboard for deeper exploration of Western music history.

Compiled by the imperial chapel’s own Giuseppe Bertini, the dictionary reflects the scholarly rigor of an early nineteenth‑century musicologist. Its introductory material explains the organization and offers useful tables, corrections, and a chronological overview to help navigate the wealth of information. Ideal for those who enjoy hearing the stories behind scores, this work invites you to discover how theory, practice, and cultural context intertwined to shape the sounds that still resonate today.