Simply listening to the composition and creativity of an instrumental track can be just as rewarding. Here are some of the great instrumental tracks listed in chronological order.

it was touted as also being the best-selling instrumental of all time. That included the big-band era and all those Glenn Miller hits like “In The Mood” and ‘‘Pennsylvania 6-500.” ...

Below, a brief history of the best instrumental songs, and what made them memorable. Plus, stream a selection of the picks in our player.