A comprehensive encyclopedia of musical instruments, covering all sections of the orchestra: strings, woodwind and brass, percussion, keyboard and the voice, as well as historical, rare and non-western instruments. An illustrated guide to instruments and their historical relatives, with specially commissioned photographs of all the modern instruments. Famous players, orchestras and concert halls, and the role of the composer and the conductor. A history of music-making, beginning with man's first discovery of music and its development in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, India, China and Japan, charting key turning points such as the invention of the bow and valves, and ending with the modern instruments of the twentieth century. Includes information on the evolution of the orchestra -- from medieval consorts, baroque and classical orchestras, through to the modern symphony orchestra we know today. Explores other forms such as folk music, brass and military bands, country music, jazz bands, big bands and pop groups.