This comprehensive guide presents an informative overview of wind instruments used in European orchestras, and in military and other wind bands during the past 400 years. Well-illustrated passages describe various types and sizes of woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons) and brass (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; and information derived from instrumental music of the time. This book is a valuable guide for musicians, teachers, and music students. It will delight anyone interested in the fascinating history of instruments. - Back cover.