This illustrated reference begins with a history of music-making, posing the questions What is music?A" and What is a musical instrument?A" 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 main focus of the book is the visual 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.