'The whole range of percussion instruments can be compared to a magic kitchen. Like a good cook who is in great command of his spices and uses them quite effectively, the resourceful percussionist can create the most wonderful musical treats in his magic kitchen…' – This is how Gerd Albrecht introduces his young and old readership to the orchestra in his book 'Musical Instruments and How to Play Them'. He gives a comprehensible and illuminating account of the instruments' history, construction features, sound generation, sound and playing technique. Which is the oldest instrument of the orchestra? Where is the set of timpani positioned on the stage? What is a 'lemon mouth' and what does that mean to a wind player? The answers to such questions are contained in this edition, complemented by graphic explanatory photos and humorous cartoons as well as by the attached CD introducing the sound of the individual orchestral instruments by using original examples from the musical literature.Included in the list of recommended educationally worthy picture books 2004 by the 'Gesellschaft für Jugend- und Sozialforschung' (GJSF) [Society for Youth and Social Research].