The Madman's Orchestra

'One of the most brilliantly illustrated and totally compelling books about music ever put together' - Tom Service, BBC Radio 3 From the bestselling author and former BBC QI Elf comes a fascinating and beautifully illustrated journey through the entire history of music.  In The Madman's Orchestra, join Edward Brooke-Hitching as he lifts the curtain on the strangest episodes from the entire history of music, taking us on a backstage tour of surprising and eccentric stories.   From the musical secrets of prehistoric monuments to the future of compositions by artificial intelligence, The Madman's Orchestra uncovers the most curious tales, madcap musicians, and unusual instruments lost in time - and answers questions including: - Which composition requires four helicopters and a string quartet with strong stomachs to play it correctly?- When should you feed your piano hay?- What does the 'cat organ' sound like, and is it any more pleasing to the ear than the 'hog harmonium'? Discover the c