Orchestras: Types and Instruments

• An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments

Types of Orchestras

• Symphony orchestras commonly have over eighty musicians, sometimes one hundred or more
• String orchestras are smaller ensembles comprised only of string instruments
• Chamber orchestras are of intermediate size, with fifteen to forty members

Instrumentation

• Orchestras are typically led by a conductor who directs the performance and interprets the music
• Orchestras include instruments from four main families
  • Strings: Violins, violas, cellos, and double basses which produce sound through vibrating strings
  • Woodwinds: Flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons which produce sound by blowing air through a reed or across an edge
  • Brass: Trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas which produce sound by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece
  • Percussion: Timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and other instruments that produce sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped
• Other instruments, such as the piano, harp, and saxophone, may appear in an orchestra

Arrangement

• Music for orchestras is written in the form of a score
• The score shows all the instrumental parts
• A score allows the conductor to see what each instrumentalist should play
• Orchestral scores are complex documents
• Instrumental families are grouped together on the page
• From top to bottom, the organization of the score is woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings

History

• Orchestras evolved from various instrumental ensembles during the Renaissance and Baroque periods
• The modern symphony orchestra took shape in the late 18th and early 19th centuries
• Key figures in the development of the orchestra include composers such as Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven
• Over time, the size and composition of the orchestra expanded, driven by the demands of composers and the development of new instruments

Repertoire

• The orchestral repertoire covers a vast range of musical styles and periods including
  • Symphonies
  • Concertos
  • Overtures
  • Suites
  • Tone poems
  • Ballets and Operas
• Orchestras perform works by classical composers as well as contemporary pieces
• Orchestras often collaborate with soloists, choirs, and other ensembles

Impact

• Orchestras are cultural institutions, contributing to the preservation and promotion of classical music
• Orchestras provide educational outreach programs, introducing young people to the world of orchestral music
• Orchestras commission new works by contemporary composers, fostering creativity
• Orchestral performances enrich communities, offering opportunities for artistic expression and cultural engagement

Explore the world of orchestras, from the vast symphony orchestras to the more intimate chamber ensembles. Learn about the instruments that comprise these ensembles, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Gain insight into the role of the conductor and the unique timbres of each instrument family.