'Handbuch der populären Musik' is a standard work which is aimed at music lovers and experts alike. In addition, it tries to both satisfy the listeners' and fans' need for information and provide performing musicians, music editors or music teachers and not least students of corresponding fields of study with a compendium for consultation purposes. Containing more than 1,000 entries, this book examines the forms as well as the historical, cultural and economic background of popular music, including the whole range from pop, hip-hop and electronic dance music via rock, jazz, blues, folk and world music to chanson, musical, wind music and folk song. The book deals with current and historical developments, techniques, instruments, the various aspects of practical music-making and the basics of music production. The fully revised new version of this handbook takes into account not only the effects of the digital revolution on the production and circulation of music, from on-line services t o mobile music, but, by including company and label portraits, the defining role of music history in past and present times as well.