Which two ethnomusicologists categorized instruments into four groups?

Which two ethnomusicologists categorized instruments into four groups?

• A. Alfred Redfield and Maria Lopez
• B. Curt Sachs and Erich von Hornbostel
• C. Carl Stumpf and Guido Bianchi
• D. Philip Tagg and Steven Feld

Answer: (B)

Classifying how sound is produced is a fundamental approach in ethnomusicology, and the four-category system by Curt Sachs and Erich von Hornbostel groups instruments by their vibrating source: aerophones, chordophones, membranophones, and idiophones. Aerophones make sound from vibrating air (for example, flutes and trumpets). Chordophones produce sound via vibrating strings (such as violins and guitars). Membranophones generate sound through a vibrating membrane (drums like timpani or snare). Idiophones create sound from the instrument’s own material vibrating (like xylophones, cymbals, or rattles). This Hornbostel-Sachs framework became a standard reference in studying world instruments. The other names listed are known for different work in the field and did not formulate this particular four-group classification.

Classifying how sound is produced is a fundamental approach in ethnomusicology, and the four-category system by Curt Sachs and Erich von Hornbostel groups instruments by their vibrating source: aerophones, chordophones, membranophones, and idiophones. Aerophones make sound from vibrating air (for example, flutes and trumpets). Chordophones produce sound via vibrating strings (such as violins and guitars). Membranophones generate sound through a vibrating membrane (drums like timpani or snare). Idiophones create sound from the instrument’s own material vibrating (like xylophones, cymbals, or rattles). This Hornbostel-Sachs framework became a standard reference in studying world instruments. The other names listed are known for different work in the field and did not formulate this particular four-group classification.