Structure

The structure of Instruments Online is as simple as it is rewarding:
Instrument group => Instrument => Info about the instrument on the left hand side!

The instrument groups (2nd navigation bar, under Instruments) currently include Woodwinds, Brass, Strings and Percussion. In future there will also be a category Orchestra, dealing with the history of the orchestra, the varying sizes and composition of orchestras plus topics such as articulation, timbre and much more.

A click on an instrument group takes you to the corresponding individual instruments (e.g. Trumpet in C) and introductory texts on the instrument group (general information).

Detailed information on each instrument can be viewed using the links on the left and is clearly set out under the headings Brief description, History, Notation, Range, Sound production, Playing techniques, Sound characteristics, Sound combinations, Symbolism and Repertoire. Additional links have been provided for particular instruments where necessary, e.g. Construction for the violin.

The number of sound demos available on Instruments Online will be constantly increased, so that soon you will be able not only to enjoy the sounds of the individual instruments under the headings Range and Playing techniques but also to hear excerpts from orchestral literature in the chapters Sound characteristics and Sound combinations.

By the way: for those who are short of time, the summary to the right of the main text contains all the most important information in an abridged form (this service will be available for all instruments shortly).

Visit the site regularly to find out about the latest instruments and sound demos.