Author(s): Max Wade-Matthews

Music

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 banging 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.

This book poses the questions "What is music?" and "What is a musical instrument?" Each of the principal ancient civilizations is investigated in turn - Egypt, Israel, Greece, Rome, India, South-east Asia, China, Japan and Korea - with information about key developments and musical traditions. The text focuses on different methods of music-making, explaining how the string and bow create sound, the tonal quality of single and double reeds, the impact of the development of valves, the variety of drum skins, and the different types of keyboard mechanisms. As the orchestra evolved - from the medieval consort, through Baroque and classical ensembles to the large symphony orchestra - so too the instruments were adapted and modified.

Historically, great instruments have been played in public by great performers, and this book includes information about the most famous players and their instruments, 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 book not only charts the history of the orchestra but also looks at the history of all the major musical movements and forms, including folk music, brass and military bands, country music, jazz, big bands and popular music.

Beautifully illustrated with over 250 full-colour photographs, paintings and illustrations, this volume provides an authoritative history of musical forms and the orchestra, making this an indispensable reference for music lovers everywhere.