Ancient Greek music theory, particularly the work of Pythagoras and Aristoxenus, had a profound impact on Western music. The enharmonic scale, with its microtones, was a key feature of their musical system.

The ancient Egyptian harp, known as the 'benet', is believed to be the earliest form of the modern harp. It was a triangular-shaped instrument with strings made from animal gut or linen.

The Bells of Biyong, also known as the 'Bianzhong', is an ancient Chinese musical instrument consisting of a set of tuned bronze bells. It is renowned for its rich and resonant sound.

The Natya Shastra, written by the ancient Indian sage Bharata Muni, is a comprehensive treatise on the performing arts, including music, dance, and drama. It is considered the foundational text for classical Indian music.

The rebec, a medieval bowed string instrument, is widely regarded as the predecessor of the modern violin. It was popular in Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries.

The pentatonic scale, consisting of five notes per octave, is one of the oldest musical scales known to humanity. It is still used in traditional music from various cultures around the world.

The xylophone, with its tuned wooden bars, is an ancient musical instrument that has been played in various cultures for centuries. It is known for its bright and percussive sound.

The flute, one of the oldest musical instruments, is played by blowing air across a hole in a tube. It is known for its sweet and mellow sound.

The clavichord, a keyboard instrument with strings struck by metal tangents, is considered the direct ancestor of the modern piano. It was popular in Europe from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

The oratorio, a large-scale musical composition typically based on a religious or dramatic story, combines poetry, music, and dance. It is often performed in churches or concert halls.

The gong, a large metal disc that is struck with a mallet, is known for its deep and resonant sound. It is often used in traditional Asian music and ceremonies.

The lute, a string instrument with a pear-shaped body and a neck with frets, is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum. It was popular in Europe from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Tubular bells, consisting of a set of tuned metal tubes struck with a mallet, are known for their rich and resonant sound. They are often used in orchestras and percussion ensembles.

The madrigal, a type of vocal music popular in the Renaissance period, combines instrumental music with spoken or sung text, often expressing love, nature, or other themes.