In the historically informed performance movement, musicians perform classical music using restored or replicated versions of the instruments for which it was originally written. Often performances by such musicians are said to be "on authentic instruments".
This article consists of a list of such instruments in the European tradition, including both instruments that are now obsolete and early versions of instruments that continued to be used in later classical music.
Renaissance (1400–1600)
Strings Violin Viol Viola Cello Lira da braccio Contrabass Violone Lute Theorbo Archlute Gittern Mandore Harp Cittern Vihuela
Woodwinds Cornamuse Cromorne Crumhorn Rackett Rauschpfeife Recorder Shawm Dulcian
Brasses Trumpet Cornett Sackbut Serpent Natural horn Slide trumpet Natural trumpet Horn
Keyboards Clavichord Harpsichord Regal Virginal Ottavino Organ
Percussion Drum Timpani Cymbals Bass drum Tabor
Baroque (1600–1750)
Strings Violino piccolo Violin Viol Viola da gamba Viola Viola d'amore Viola pomposa Tenor violin Cello Violoncello piccolo Contrabass Colascione Violone Lute Theorbo Archlute Angélique Mandore Mandolin Baroque guitar Harp Hurdy-gurdy
Woodwind Baroque flute Chalumeau Kortholt (also known as Cortholt, Curtall, Oboe family) Dulcian Baroque oboe Rackett Recorder Oboe d'amore Oboe da caccia Contrabassoon Taille Cor anglais
Brasses Baroque trumpet Cornett Serpent Natural horn Slide trumpet Post horn Natural trumpet Horn Trombone
Keyboards Clavichord Harpsichord Spinet Organ
Percussion Drum Timpani Cymbals Bass drum Tabor Snare drum
Classical (1750–1820)
Strings Violin Viola Cello Double bass Guitar Mandolin
Woodwinds Basset clarinet Basset horn Clarinette d'amour Clarinet Chalumeau Flute Oboe Bassoon Contrabassoon Cor anglais
Keyboards Clavichord Harpsichord Spinet Tangent piano Fortepiano (early Piano) Organ
Brasses Buccin Ophicleide—a Serpent replacement, precursor of the Tuba Natural trumpet Natural horn Trombone Post horn
Percussion Drum Timpani Cymbals Bass drum Snare drum
See also Castrato List of European medieval musical instruments
External links Early musical instruments Historical Brass Instruments as described by Antique Sound Workshop, Ltd.