The Music Plays On — The Evolution of Musical Instruments

Cristoforo Munari — Still-Life with Musical Instruments, early 17th century

As with every functional tool, musical instruments have dramatically evolved over time. The oldest instruments that have been found are flutes made out of bone from approximately 40,000 years ago.

Today’s flutes are made out of various types of metal and have a rather complex system of pads and keys.

The sound of the flute, accordingly, has changed from this —

To this —