Pronunciation: [kˈɜːt sˈaks] (IPA) 
The name "Curt Sachs" is a German surname pronounced as /kʊʁt zaks/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "curt" part of the name is spelled with a "c" and a "u," and pronounced with a short "u" sound, like the "u" in "put." The "Sachs" part of the name is spelled with an "S" and pronounced with a "z" sound. Sachs was a German-born musicologist who specialized in the study of musical instruments and their history.
Curt Sachs was a German musicologist and scholar born on June 29, 1881, in Berlin, Germany, and died on February 5, 1959, in New York City, USA. He made significant contributions to the field of ethnomusicology and music history, becoming one of the influential figures in these disciplines.
Sachs developed a comprehensive system to classify musical instruments based on their structure and sound production, known as the Sachs-Hornbostel system. This system categorizes instruments into five main groups: idiophones, membranophones, chordophones, aerophones, and electrophones. Sachs' classification method has become widely used in musicology, anthropology, and museums to organize collections of instruments, contributing greatly to our understanding of their cultural and historical significance.
In addition to his work on musical instrument classification, Sachs delved into the study of music history and aesthetics. He examined the development of musical instruments throughout different cultures and periods, exploring their relationship with social, economic, and cultural contexts. Sachs also investigated the musical practices of various civilizations, providing valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of human musical expression.
Sachs' extensive research and writings have significantly influenced the fields of ethnomusicology, organology, and musicology, establishing him as a pioneering figure in these areas. His contributions have shaped our understanding of the diversity of musical cultures worldwide and continue to serve as important references for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
