The fourth edition of UK-based independent scholar Hulme's catalogue represents the culmination of his efforts on behalf of Shostakovich. The first edition appeared in 1982, and revised editions were published in 1991 (CH, Dec'91, 29-1865) and 2002. This revised fourth edition is truly a treasure trove of factual information about composition dates, autograph manuscripts, published scores, and recordings. The chronological ... Read morelists of recordings are almost exhaustive in their comprehensiveness (exceptions include recordings of popular works issued in limited distribution). The cut-off date is 2006, but many recordings issued in the following two years are listed. The extensive bibliography contains brief annotations. Although Hulme continues his practice of intermingling works with opus numbers with Sans Op. numbers, he understands that this arrangement is problematic and hopes that a professional musicologist will compile a definitive catalogue of works in chronological order. The simplified index of compositions is arranged strictly according to genre. Hulme's work will serve researchers' needs adequately. Recommended. Academic and large public libraries; lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers, and general readers.
CHOICE, September 2010
The author presents very detailed data, even where Shostakovich was at the time he composed certain of his works. Hulme has compiled one of the most comprehensive catalogs of a twentieth-century composer.
American Reference Books Annual, May 2010
Hulme’s catalogue is the most comprehensive one available, and it is impressive in its scope. It is most useful for its extensive discography, and as an English-language starting point for those interested in Shostakovich’s music. . . .In sum, Hulme’s catalogue is well-organized, easy to use, and informative for scholars, performers, and the ever-increasing general audiences of Shostakovich’s music, which captures the hopes and fears not only of his era but also of our own. It is recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Music Reference Services Quarterly
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