Musical Wind Instruments

This comprehensive guide presents an informative overview of wind instruments used in European orchestras, military, and other wind bands during the past 400 years. Included are well-illustrated, descriptive passages about the various types and sizes of woodwinds — flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons — and brass instruments — trumpets, cornets, horns, trombones, bugles, and related instruments. For this historical survey, the author has incorporated information and materials from numerous sources: old instruments from public and private collections, catalogs, and photographs; written descriptions, instructions for playing the instruments, fingering charts, and illustrations of old instruments from contemporary sources; as well as contemporary music specifically written for an instrument. Among other topics, chapters cover the lengthening slide and valve systems of brass instruments, the mechanics of woodwinds and brass, the transverse flute and whistle-flute, saxophone, bassoon, and bugle horns. Brief descriptions accompany the illustrations. A valuable guide for musicians, teachers, and music students, this book will delight and inform music lovers. Includes 30 photos, 41 drawings and diagrams, and 11 charts.