The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Musical Instruments: From All Eras and Regions of the World

by Bozhidar Abrashev, Vladimir Gadjev, Konemann (Publisher)

The authors present the various methods of producing sound with great passion, vividly explaining how early musical inventions were scattered across the globe and how they evolved in various cultures. Cleary arranged, the structure of the book provides a quick overview of the history, symbolism, construction and playing technique of each of the instruments discussed - an indispensable reference work for every professional musician and for interested amateurs.

Genres: Music, Reference

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Allen Garvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much delivers what the title says: an illustration of historical and folk instruments from all over the world. It includes instruments that have not survived, the are reconstructed from iconographical evidence or sometimes just literary, well as very nice examples of folk instruments. I was mainly interested in the Renaissance and Baroque sections, and could find few errors in the descriptions. I like the categorization of instruments, as well.

[James Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive look as all sorts of musical instruments. Many you've never heard of.