Previously published as separate volumes, "The world encyclopedia of musical instruments" and "The great composers."

History of music-making and the orchestra: Introduction -- What is music? -- What is a musical instrument -- Music of ancient civilizations -- European music in the first millennium -- Structuring music -- Strings -- Bows -- Reeds -- Valves -- Drum heads and sticks -- Keyboard keys and hammers -- Evolution of the orchestra -- Baroque orchestra (1600-1750) -- Classical orchestra (1750-1830) -- Romantic orchestra (1830-1910) -- Modern symphony orchestra -- Authentic music -- Chamber music -- European national music -- Folk music -- Revolutionary music of the 20th century -- Brass bands -- Military bands -- Country music -- Jazz -- Big bands -- Rock and pop -- Famous string players -- Famous woodwind and brass players -- Famous keyboard and percussion players -- Court composers -- Modern composers -- Role of the conductor -- Famous conductors -- Famous concert halls and orchestras -- Encyclopedia of musical instruments: Introduction -- Strings -- Woodwind and brass -- Percussion -- Keyboards -- Voice -- Composition through the ages: Music as a language -- Emergence of composers -- Baroque forms -- Transition to classicism -- Romantic heyday -- Dawn of a new age -- Music of the future -- Lives and work of the great composers: Introduction -- Middle Ages to the Renaissance -- Baroque era -- Classical period -- Romantic era -- Rise of nationalism -- Later Romantics -- Early twentieth century -- Music since World War II.