Musical instruments

Musical Innovative instruments have brought MUSIC to the ears of the massesinstruments musical instruments have existed since prehistoric times. As materials and designs have evolved, primitive versions have been fine-tuned, while new models strike a chord with musicians and audiences alike.

Keyboard For centuries, keyboards were used to play organ pipes. But in the 15th century, they began to be used to play strings, and the hArpsichord was born. Pressing a key plucked a string, with each string playing a note. The piano arrived in the 18th century, with its sophisticated keyboard of white And blAck keys. Pianos use hammers to strike the strings, so the notes can be played loudly or quietly depending on how hard the key is pressed. A St ra d i v a r i u s v i i ol i n sold in 2011 for a massive $15.9 million.

This ornate, painted harpsichord was made in Antwerp in 1643.

Violin

The smallest, highest-pitched member of the string family is the violin. Developed in the 16th century, the invention is usually attributed to Italian AndreA AmAti, who made an early version to entertain King Charles IX of

France. The instrument was enhanced over the following two centuries into the wooden wonder we know today. This example was made by famous Italian violin-maker Antonio Stradivari in 1709.

Flute

Woodwind instruments consist of a hollow tube attached to a mouthpiece. When blown, air inside vibrates to produce sound. The flute is a popular example. Early flutes were simple and wooden, but developed into metal models with complex keys. German inventor Theobald Boehm hit the right note in the 19th century with his system of pads over holes, operated by keys or fingers.

Trumpet

This instrument has blown audiences away since ancient times. People in China signaled with trumpets as long ago as 1500 bce, while Egyptian King Tutankhamun’s tomb contained trumpets similar to the ones shown on the right. Now made from brass, the trumpet is famous for its strong sound. In the 1820s, German instrument-makers

Stölzel and Blühmel created trumpets with valves to produce more notes.

This Ch inese d ragon f ut e i s used i n r e l igi o u s ce remon ies.

Drum

While many percussion instruments require precise force to make the perfect sound, the drum marches to its own beat. Drums have been discovered in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) that date back 5,000 years. From tribal rituals and military conflicts to medieval dances and rock concerts, this instrument has always drummed up enthusiasm. This drum was used by a confederate soldier during the Civil War (1861–1865).