Provides information about the history of the orchestra since its beginnings in the seventeenth century, instruments of the orchestra, and famous composers of classical music.

"Your guide to the orchestra through sounds and stories." front cover.

A combination package includes a fifteen-track CD and backup text to demonstrate sounds of instruments and musical examples as well as timelines that chart the lives of composers and performers and pinpoint important musical developments.

In his first book, actor and musician John Lithgow introduces a memorable character, a fickle yet lovable child prodigy who brings the sounds and rhythms of an orchestra to sprawling visual life. With a double gatefold showing the entire orchestra, this is the ultimate book for the music lover in all of us.

This guide to the orchestra and orchestral life is unique in its breadth of coverage. It combinesorchestral history and repertory with a practical bias offering critical thought about the past, present and future of the orchestra. Including topics such as the art of orchestration, scorereading, conducting, international orchestras, recording, as well as consideration of what it means to be an orchestral musician, an educator, or an informed listener, it will be of interest to a wideranging readership of music historians and professional or amateur performers.

Describes the orchestra and includes information on composers, instruments, and the conductor.