This book is not written in the usual genre of dictionary-reference. Its purpose, of course, first of all, is to give the necessary information, to answer questions that arise when listening to music, reading literature about music, and playing music at home. But "Musician's Companion" is not limited to the role of a dictionary. Its 14 sections are arranged in such a way as to contribute to the reader's desire to expand his musical horizons, to understand the ideological disputes that flow with particular urgency in modern music, to get acquainted with the basic concepts of musical art, musical forms, genres, instruments, orchestras, choral groups, chamber ensembles, outstanding singers, instrumentalists, laureates of international and all-Union competitions, etc.