Book excerpt: This is volume 1 of the improved 2nd edition. There are 6 volumes in all comprising some 900 composers and 40,000 compositions. Included is the founding and demise of music ensembles, institutions, venues and festivals. With musicians, performers, conductors, entrepreneurs, educators, administrators, instrument makers, musicologists, music critics and philanthropists part of the broad narrative. Touring artists in Australia are admitted at the bottom of each year. This edition has been enhanced by the inclusion of many hundreds of relevant photographs, drawings and artwork. The most comprehensive account of Australian Classical music is in your hands.