This guide to the orchestra and orchestral life is unique in its breadth of coverage.

1. The history of the orchestra Tim Carter and Erik Levi; 2. The development of musical instruments Robert Barclay; 3. The orchestral repertory Peter Laki; 4. From notation to sound Richard Rastall; 5. The art of orchestration Julian Rushton; 6. The history of direction and conducting Jeremy Siepman; 7. International case studies Jon Tolanski; 8. The revival of historical instruments Colin Lawson; 9. Recording the orchestra John Rushby-Smith; 10. Training the orchestral musician Simon Channing; 11. The life of an orchestral musician Clive Gillinson and Jonathan Vaughan; 12. Historical recordings of orchestras Robert Philip; 13. The orchestral composer Robert Saxton; 14. Educational programmes Sue Knussen; 15. The future of the orchestra Stephen Cottrell. Appendix 1. The constitution of selected orchestras; Appendix 2. Orchestras founded in the nineteenth century; Appendix 3. Orchestras founded in the twentieth century.