Volume I. This reference has, in a relatively short time, become a foundational resource for choir directors at all levels of choral activity. Literal translations and poetic paraphrases are offered for more than 115 sacred Latin texts, making each entry appropriate for singers and concert programs as well. Invaluable! Volume II. This reference contains more than 165 translations of both sacred and secular German texts from centuries of choral repertoire. Literal and poetic translations are offered for each entry, and the reference includes texts from the cantatas of J.S. Bach as well as many of the great masterworks of Beethoven and Brahms. Volume III. The third volume provides translations to a variety of works in French and Italian, both word for word and in prose. In addition, an annotation to each text is supplied, along with indices to the authors, first lines, and selected additional settings of the text. For those interested in further exploration, an appendix presents the Middle French texts (those in sixteenth-century French) in their original forms. Volume IV. This volume serves to provide: an introduction to the fundamental tools that conductors need to perform Jewish choral music - including proper pronunciation of the Hebrew language as well as basic information on the Jewish liturgy; transcriptions of the texts in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), with both literal and prose translations; resources for conductors who wish to explore further and learn more about the world of Jewish choral music; and most importantly, a guide to the repertoire and suggestions for pieces suitable for specific occasions. (Publisher).