Compiled by Italian musicologist Andrea Vitali over his lifetime, it comprises 6,242 CDs, 728 LPs, hundreds of singles plus DVDs, VHS videos and audio cassettes.

The authenticity of the recordings including the specific instruments used to re-create the sounds of past centuries was of crucial importance in putting the collection together.

The music is being sold as one lot at an online auction held by London-based CooperOwen auctions and is estimated to fetch £300,000.

The breadth and detail of the collection means it is possible to hear almost 2,000 years of western civilisation through the medium of music.

The entire collection spans from as early as 400AD and runs to 1900, but it is the period between 800AD and 1700 which is exciting curators.

Louise Cooper, owner-managing director of CooperOwen Music Media Auctions, said: "This is simply a staggering collection compiled by an expert who attempted to get to the authentic sound of music since 400AD.

"The eras are broken down into 'antiquity' - up to the end of 700AD - the 'middle ages' - from 800 until 1300 - 'renaissance' from 1400 to 1500 - 'baroque' from 1600 to 1750, and 'classicism' from 1750 to 1830.

"It clearly would be of much interest to academics studying music who might wish to digitalise it.

"Andrea, who owns the collection, is putting it up for sale because he is concentrating on new projects.

"We anticipate interest from around the world."

Another lot is Sir Elton John's piano on which he wrote some of his most popular songs including Yellow Brick Road and Blue Eyes.

The 19th century instrument has a starting price of £75,000.

The auction also includes a guitar that Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain used and smashed during the American leg of his last tour before he died. It has a guide price of £100,000.