The Cambridge Companion to the Orchestra

1. The history of the orchestra Tim Carter and Erik Levi; 2. The development of musical instruments Robert Barclay; 3. The orchestral repertory Peter Laki; 4. From notation to sound Richard Rastall; 5. The art of orchestration Julian Rushton; 6. The history of direction and conducting Jeremy Siepman; 7. International case studies Jon Tolanski; 8. The revival of historical instruments Colin Lawson; 9. Recording the orchestra John Rushby-Smith; 10. Training the orchestral musician Simon Channing; 11. The life of an orchestral musician Clive Gillinson and Jonathan Vaughan; 12. Historical recordings of orchestras Robert Philip; 13. The orchestral composer Robert Saxton; 14. Educational programmes Sue Knussen; 15. The future of the orchestra Stephen Cottrell. Appendix 1. The constitution of selected orchestras; Appendix 2. Orchestras founded in the nineteenth century; Appendix 3. Orchestras founded in the twentieth century.

Colin Lawson is Pro Vice-Chancellor of Thames Valley University, having previously been Professor of Music at Goldsmiths' College, University of London. He has an international profile as a solo clarinettist and plays with the Hanover Band, the English Consort and the King's Consort. His publications for Cambridge University Press include The Cambridge Companion to the Clarinet (1995), Mozart: Clarinet Concerto (1996), Brahms: Clarinet Quintet (1998), The Historical Performance of Music (with Robin Stowell) (1999), The Early Clarinet (2000).

'... interesting, thought provoking contributions ... The book is a genuine testament to the immense variety of skills, knowledge and understanding that go into creating and maintaining an orchestra. I would hope that people other than those already involved in this musical vocation would pick it up - certainly it gives a wonderful impression of the world of orchestral music.' Classical Music 'Colin Lawson's book provides both a fascinating introduction to orchestra's many facets and a stimulating set of diverse essays ... this book is a stimulating resource, and will provide an excellent addition to any bookshelf ... I should be surprised if even those who live and breathe orchestras do not find thought-provoking material here, as well as anecdotes to delight in.' British Journal of Music Education