Bruce Haynes Libri

Exploring the evolution of musical pitch standards over four centuries, the book provides a practical guide for performers by linking frequency values to historical pitch names. It covers a timeline from the 16th century to the present, with a focus on regions such as Italy, France, Germany, and the Habsburg Lands. The text examines the interplay between instrument design and pitch changes, detailing the contexts in which various pitch levels were adopted and their significance in musical history.

This is the first in-depth survey of the oboe during its Golden Age, tracing the history of the instrument from its invention through its many mutations as it adapted to the changing demands of composers. The author describes in detail the instruments, players, makers, and composers, as well as how and where it was played, and who listened to it.