The Encyclopedia of Music : Musical Instruments and the Art of Music-Making

This book is over 500 pages and it is heavy. The big reason is because it is printed on very good, slick paper and it makes the pictures look fantastic. It covers the general history of the orchestra and then has a history of the evolution of the musical instruments according to section. It also contains information on instruments not always used in symphony orchestras, such as the guitar, zither, lute and various other instruments. Composers are also listed, according to the era they wrote music in, such as Baroque, Romantic, etc. Some items are longer than others, but they are not long enough to be boring or intimidating to the reader.

I use this in the classroom constantly; great illustrations and explanations of the entire genre of musical history. Great tool for teaching.

I give it 4 stars because the material and print looks small and cheap. The first time I saw this book was at the library it was a big size with rich colors and clear print. I couldn’t put it away it was so nice. And the library didn’t want me to borrow it. So I ordered one for my home but I was disappointed with the quality of this particular size. If you really want to enjoy this book please order in the big size because it is great for anyone who wants to learn about classical music and instruments.

This is a very well written book. Not a replacement for the Harvard Dictionary of Music but a great source for instrument history, musical period synopsis and short composer biographies. Only wish the format was larger...very small font and the beautiful illustrations are hard to see.

Good and informative book. Alot of facts about the classical masters and different important eras of music and histroy. I would like to have more illustrations of instruments thought.I would say that the book is focusing to really cover important facts about classical music mostly and the instruments used there.

Shrunk wrapped, but book clearly damaged. Appeared used.

Both my granddaughter and I have played several musical instruments and share a strong bond with music. At fifteen she is ready for a greater understanding of music history and theory, and this book provides it. Too many kids just learn to play in the high school band, then give up music once they leave school. I want music to be part of my granddaughter's life for the rest of her life, and this book is a tool toward that end. (Adult music lovers will enjoy the book, too.)

There are many beautiful pictures of many instruments and composers (not very modern ones). There are no definitions of musical terms or anything about notation or symbols in music. This book is great for seeing instruments and getting to know Classical and Romantic composers.

Este libro son dos en uno, uno sobre instrumentos y el otro sobre compositores. Tiene muchas fotos en ilustraciones. Condensa mucha información importante. Lo recomiendo mucho.

Beaucoup d'informations et d'image! on adore :)

Although the condition of the book is not so good... But the content has an absolutely outstanding capability to foster a bond between one and music...A must have for music lovers... 🎶 🎶

Il y a des aliments impropres à la consommation; voici un livre quasiment impropre à la lecture. Une réduction impardonnable qui nécessite des yeux de lynx et une loupe grossissante 3 x, sinon on n'y voit goutte. Une fois lisible, le texte n'est que moyennement riche et informatif. Les informations sur les instruments sont très sommaires : par exemple les saxhorns sont à peine mentionnés et la "pedal steel", si merveilleuse en musique country, escamotée. Les illustrations sont nombreuses mais souffrent également du rétrécissement général. La jaquette, abîmée une fois de plus par les "bons" soins des premiers manipulateurs, ravale ce livre au rang d'occasion et non flambant neuf.

Very good, I look up each time I have queries about the instruments used in a classical symphony orchestra. Good for younger people too who just begin to get acquainted with classical music.al