Download or read book Our Tuneful Heritage written by Laurence Libin and published by Brigham Young Univ Creative Works. This book was released on 1994-01 with total page 90 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This catalog highlights over sixty American musical instruments, most drawn from the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each instrument, whether toy or masterpiece, offers us much more than just sound. Through their varied forms and functions, each embodies some meaningful aspect of American life: immigration, acculturation, nationalism and warfare, handicraft and industry, entertainment and worship, tradition and innovation. These instruments have evolved to serve complex social purposes that continue to change over the years. Even when silent, their designs, materials, and decorations, reflect our multifaceted culture.