A comprehensive encyclopedia of musical instruments, covering all sections of the orchestra: strings, woodwind and brass, percussion and keyboards, as well as the voice. Also covers historical, rare and non-Western instruments.
Table of Contents:
History of music-making and the orchestra — Introduction — What is music? — What is a musical instrument — Music of ancient civilizations — European music in the first millennium — Structuring music — Strings — Bows — Reeds — Valves — Drum heads and sticks — Keyboard keys and hammers — Evolution of the orchestra — Baroque orchestra (1600-1750) — Classical orchestra (1750-1830) — Romantic orchestra (1830-1910) — Modern symphony orchestra — Authentic music — Chamber music — European national music — Folk music — Revolutionary music for the 20th century — Brass bands — Military bands — Country bands — Jazz — Big bands — Rock and pop — Famous string players — Famous woodwind and brass players — Famous keyboard and percussion players — Court composers — Modern composers — Role of the conductor — Famous conductors — Famous concert halls and orchestras — Encyclopedia of musical instruments: Introduction — Strings — Woodwind and brass — Percussion — Keyboards — Voice — Composition through the ages: Music as a language — Emergence of composers — Baroque forms — Transition to classicism — Romantic heyday — Dawn of a new age — Music of the future — Lives and work of the great composers: Introduction — Middle ages to the Renaissance — Baroque era — Classical period — Romantic era — Rise of nationalism — Later romantics — Early twentieth century — Music since World War II.