The Orchestra: Origins and Transformations - Softcover

This collection of twenty-three articles traces the development of the orchestra from its antecedents in the late fifteenth century to its current status as the repository of Western symphonic music. The chronologically organized essays discuss not only the physical and financial history of the orchestra (with chapters on the development of stringed, woodwind and bass instruments, and the public reception of them), but the theories behind the music, the purpose and roles of conductors, orchestra's unavoidable nexus with ballet and opera, and, more recently, the effect of modern-day recordings on this traditionally live performance. Originally published by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1986. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)