Volumes 1 and 2 provide information sufficient for getting players to the "beginning professional level": embouchures, concepts of blowing, tone, fingerings reeds, practicing, performing; beginning methods for each instrument; samples from the orchestral repertory; college woodwind-class materials; Bach's complete Clavier Buchlein for woodwinds with analysis; and a means, for those who wish it, for certification.

The late 17th century through to the end of the 18th century saw rapid progress in the development of woodwind instruments and the composition of a vast body of music for those instruments. During this period a large amount of music for domestic consumption was written for a growing amateur market, a market which has regrown in the latter part of the 20th century. The last 30 years has also seen the standard of performance by professionals on these instruments rise enormously. This book provides a guide to the history of the four main woodwind instruments of the Baroque, the flute, oboe, recorder and bassoon, and this is complemented by a repertoire list for each instrument. It also guides those interested towards a basic technique for playing these instruments - a certain level of musical literacy is assumed - and it can be used by students, professionals and amateurs. Advice is also given on buying a suitable reproduction instrument from a market where now virtually any Baroque instrument can be obtained as a faithful copy. This is the first book of its kind and has its origins in the wind tutors of the 18th century.

"Encompasses all music in editions for one to ten players involving one or any combination of violin, viola, violoncello, double-bass, and viols. Other combinations include strings in company with woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboards, guitar, mandolin, harp and electronic equipment" -- Pref.