The Orchestra Book is 48 full-colour pages, written by Mark Rubin and illustrated by Alan Daniel. The clear and engaging text begins by discussing the nature of music and the great breadth of feelings and ideas that are expressed through classical music. It goes on to explain the process of composition and the basic musical concepts of melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and tone colour. The text then describes the four main families of orchestral instruments and each of their individual members, and concludes with the role of the conductor, bringing music and musicians together in a grand concert finale.