Illustrated Book of Musical Instruments

Max Wade-Matthews, The Illustrated Book of Musical Instruments: A Pictorial Encyclopedia of Music-Making Through the Ages. London: Southwater, 2004.

22 x 17 cm, stiff card wraps with French flaps, 256 pages, numerous illustrations.

Very good condition.

'The art of music-making has existed for thousands of years, probably beginning with the voice and then proceeding to simple rhythmic drumming hitting a log with a stick or hanging a rock with a club and blowing a blade of grass or a conch shell. Since these humble beginnings there has been an explosion in instrument-making, culminating in a seemingly endless variety of forms throughout the world. The Illustrated Book of Musical Instruments begins with a history of music-making, posing the questions "What is music?" and "What is a musical instrument?" Each of the principal ancient civilizations is investigated, with information about key developments and musical traditions. As the orchestra evolved, so too were the instruments adapted and modified. The book also features the most famous players, as well as examining the role of the composer and the conductor, and providing a guide to the best-known orchestras and concert halls around the world. The main focus of the book is the visual photographic encyclopedia. The catalogue is organized according to families of instruments: strings, woodwind and brass, percussion and keyboards. as well as a section on the voice. Each family is introduced, and its members are fully described their origins, how they developed over time, and how they are played. Beautifully illustrated with over 650 full-colour photographs, this volume covers a wide range or instruments and their historical relatives as well as providing a complete history of music-making and the orchestra, making this an indispensable reference for music lovers everywhere.'