This intoxicating, energetic, and remarkably informative survey of musical instruments is unprecedented in its scope and achievement. All the lively descriptions are followed by striking musical examples, of which there are over 200, spanning all eras, styles, and genres. As well as a full transcript of the text, the comprehensive booklet contains clear illustrations and background historical information on each instrument.

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"Originally intended as a single CD, this brilliant, insightful, and frequently humorous study of the orchestra eventually turned into a massive seven-CD set with a 200-page booklet. Writer and narrator Jeremy Siepmann spent a year finding the best musical excerpts to illustrate his richly informative text. The first CD concentrates on the violin alone, building up a compelling portrait by showing it in every conceivable situation, style, and tone. And Siepmann doesn't use classical music alone for his illustrations; he also dips into folk music, popular music, and gypsy music to show each instrument's scope - so each has its own biography. A constant delight for the ears, this should surely be a fixture in every musically curious household."

- H.M.J., AudioFile Magazine, December/January 2002/03