Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians: A Century of Music History
For over a century, Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians has served as a cornerstone reference for musicologists, historians, and enthusiasts worldwide. Originally compiled by Theodore Baker, PhD, and first published in 1900 by G. Schirmer, Inc., this comprehensive work has evolved from a single-volume directory into a massive multi-volume archive of musical achievement.
Before launching the biographical dictionary, Theodore Baker established his expertise by compiling and editing three editions of A Dictionary of Musical Terms between 1895 and 1897. This foundation paved the way for a reference work that would eventually span nine major editions and multiple publishers.
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Key Facts
- Founder: Compiled by Theodore Baker, PhD, and first published in 1900.
- Longevity: The most recent major update was the Ninth (Centennial) Edition in 2001.
- Growth: Expanded from a 647-page single volume to a six-volume set.
- Key Editors: Notable editors include Theodore Baker, Alfred Remy, Nicolas Slonimsky, and Laura Diane Kuhn.
- Current Ownership: Schirmer Reference is now owned by Gale, a division of Cengage Learning.
The Evolution of the Dictionary
The Early Years and First Edition
The inaugural 1900 edition consisted of 647 pages and a five-page appendix. A distinctive feature of this first release was the inclusion of 300 ink vignette portraits. These were created by Russian artist Alexander Gribayédoff (who may have used a pseudonym for Valerian Gribayédoff), based on existing photographs and portraits.
Expansion and Global Reach
By the fourth edition in 1940, the work had grown to 1,234 pages. This version was particularly significant for its time, as it provided more comprehensive representation of American and Latin-American musicians than any other English-language work of its kind.
The Slonimsky Era
The fifth edition marked a turning point under the leadership of new editor Nicolas Slonimsky. Slonimsky, who remained editor until the eighth edition in 1992, profoundly influenced the dictionary's style and academic rigor. He expanded the work to 1,855 pages and conducted a meticulous review of entries, using archival sources to verify and correct critical biographical data, such as birth and death dates.
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Modernization and Diversity
The eighth edition (1992), part of the "Concise Edition" series, grew to 2,115 pages. It revised 1,300 entries and added 1,100 new ones, with a strategic focus on increasing the visibility of female and Asian musicians, ethnomusicologists (scholars who study music in its cultural context), performance artists, and multimedia composers.
The Centennial Edition
The ninth edition, published in 2001 as the "Centennial Edition," broke the single-volume tradition. To improve readability and accommodate expanded coverage—specifically in the realms of jazz and popular music—the work was expanded into six volumes.
Publication and Ownership History
The dictionary's publishing history reflects the broader consolidation of the academic publishing industry. G. Schirmer, Inc. published the work from its inception until 1969, when the company was sold to Macmillan Inc. In 1986, Macmillan sold G. Schirmer to the Music Sales Corporation of London, though it retained the reference holdings. Today, Schirmer Reference is a part of Gale, a division of Cengage Learning.
Edition Summary Table
| Edition | Year | Editor(s) | Key Feature/Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1900 | Theodore Baker | 647 pages; 300 ink portraits by Gribayédoff |
| Fourth | 1940 | Nicolas Slonimsky | Increased focus on American and Latin-American musicians |
| Fifth | 1958 | Nicolas Slonimsky | Thorough archival verification of dates; 1,855 pages |
| Eighth | 1992 | Nicolas Slonimsky | Expanded coverage of women, Asian musicians, and ethnomusicology |
| Ninth | 2001 | Laura Diane Kuhn | Six-volume "Centennial Edition"; focus on jazz and pop |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally compiled the dictionary?
The dictionary was originally compiled by Theodore Baker, PhD, and first published in 1900.
How did the ninth edition differ from previous versions?
The ninth edition, known as the Centennial Edition, was the first to be published as a multi-volume work (six volumes) rather than a single volume, and it increased its coverage of jazz and popular music.
Who was Nicolas Slonimsky and what was his contribution?
Nicolas Slonimsky was the editor from the fifth edition through the eighth edition. He is credited with expanding the work's size and improving its accuracy by verifying biographical details through archival research.
Which groups of musicians saw increased coverage in the eighth edition?
The eighth edition placed a specific emphasis on expanding the representation of female and Asian musicians, as well as performance artists, multimedia composers, and ethnomusicologists.
Who currently owns the Schirmer Reference holdings?
Schirmer Reference is currently owned by Gale, which is a division of Cengage Learning.