This classic work has served a generation of pianists, organists, and harpsichordists and remains a necessity for every serious keyboard musician today. It is a detailed chronological survey from the 14th century to the end of the 17th. Beginning with the earliest sources, Professor Apel examines national styles and individual composers as well as the careers of the many evolving musical forms and instruments. Much of the material is organized by period and by national style areas - from Poland to Portugal. A monument of scholarship, this indispensable reference work is also remarkably user-friendly and engagingly written throughout.