"The summaries of the plots are so clear, logical, and well written, that one can read them with real pleasure, which cannot be said of the ordinary operatic synopses. But the most important circumstance is that Mr. Upton's book is fully abreast of the times."--_The Nation (New York)._ _Sold by all booksellers, or mailed, post-paid, on receipt of price, by_ A.C. McCLURG & CO., Publishers, Cor. Wabash Ave. and Madison St., Chicago. THE STANDARD CANTATAS. Their Stories, their Music, and their Composers. A Handbook. By George P. Upton. 12mo, 367 pages, yellow edges, price, $1.50; extra gilt, gilt edges, $2.00. In half calf, gilt top $3.25 In half morocco, gilt edges 3.75 In tree calf, gilt edges 5.50 The "Standard Cantatas" forms the third volume in the uniform series which already includes the now well known "Standard Operas" and the "Standard Oratorios." This latest work deals with a class of musical compositions, midway between the opera and the oratorio, which is growing rapidly in favor both with composers and audiences. As in the two former works, the subject is treated, so far as possible, in an untechnical manner, so that it may satisfy the needs of musically uneducated music lovers, and add to their enjoyment by a plain statement of the story of the cantata and a popular analysis of its music, with brief pertinent selections from its poetical text. The book includes a comprehensive essay on the origin of the cantata, and its development from rude beginnings; biographical sketches of the composers; carefully prepared descriptions of the plots and the music; and an appendix containing the names and dates of composition of all the best known cantatas from the earliest times. This series of works on popular music has steadily grown in favor since the appearance of the first volume on the Operas. When the series is completed, as it will be next year by a volume on the Standard Symphonies, it will be, as the New York 'Nation' has said, indispensable to every musical library. _Sold by all booksellers, or mailed, post-paid, on receipt of price, by_ A.C. McCLURG & CO., Publishers, Cor. Wabash Ave. and Madison St., Chicago. BIOGRAPHIES OF MUSICIANS. LIFE OF LISZT. With Portrait. LIFE OF HAYDN. With Portrait. LIFE OF MOZART. With Portrait. LIFE OF WAGNER. With Portrait. LIFE OF BEETHOVEN. With Portrait. _From the German of Dr. Louis Nohl._ In cloth, per volume $ .75 The same, in neat box, per set 3.75 In half calf, per set 12.00 Of the "Life of Liszt," the _Herald_ (Boston) says: "It is written in great simplicity and perfect taste, and is wholly successful in all that it undertakes to portray."