Notes

80 p. illustrations (chiefly colour), portraits.
Contents include: How music works -- Orchestral instruments -- Brass instruments -- Woodwind -- Stringed instruments -- Playing percussion -- How music is written down -- Chords -- What does a conductor do? -- The choir -- Expression markings -- The science of music -- Music through the ages -- Medieval music, 500-1400 -- Renaissance music, 1400-1600 -- Baroque music, 1600-1740 -- Classical music, 1740-1800 -- Romantic period, 1800-1900 -- Twentieth century, 1900-2000 -- Film music -- Musical genres -- Blues -- Gospel -- Jazz -- R&B and soul -- Country music -- Rock music -- Heavy metal -- Reggae -- Pop music -- Rap and hip hop -- House -- Music around the world -- Folk music -- Native North American music -- Aboriginal music -- African music -- Steel pans -- Latin music -- Samba drumming -- Chinese music -- Japanese music -- Indian music -- Gamelan -- Amazing instruments -- Groovy guitars -- Peculiar pianos -- Bizarre brass -- Funky flutes -- The pipe organ.
Summary: An all-encompassing introduction to the genres, musicians, instruments and musical events that have shaped the world of music. From the rock and pop of Western youth culture to the haunting sounds of traditional Mongolian throat singers, all humans in all parts of the world make music. Its harmonies affect us in a deep way and its beauty is universal. We have developed hundreds of styles of music played with all kinds of instruments, large and small. The very first instruments were simple flutes made from animal bones, but we soon developed a vast array, making all kinds of sounds. Today we can use the latest computer technology to create any sound imaginable, and musicians continue to explore the endless possibilities of music. Presented chronologically to show how music has developed and changed over time, this book pinpoints the musicians, genres and musical events that everyone should know.