The first studies of Western musical history date back to the middle of the 18th century.
G.B. Martini published a three volume history titled Storia della musica (History of Music) between 1757 and 1781.
Martin Gerbert published a two volume history of sacred music titled De cantu de musica sacra in 1774.
Gerbert followed this work with a three volume work Scriptores ecclesiastici de musica sacra containing significant writings on sacred music from the 3rd century onwards in 1784