How are stringed instruments in an orchestra normally played?

Answer:

The strings are played most often by drawing a bow across them. ... The strings are the largest family of instruments in the orchestra and they come in four sizes: the violin, which is the smallest, viola, cello, and the biggest, the double bass, sometimes called the contrabass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size stage needed for orchestra?

Therefore, the correct stage size should be 20 ft wide x 16 ft deep, which would leave an ample 160 sq. ft (i.e. 20 ft wide x 8 ft deep, after subtracting the upstage 8 ft occupied by the drummer) for the rest of the band.

What is good orchestration?

Good orchestration must: Make formal sense: Changes of orchestration must arrive at appropriate places, with appropriate degrees of contrast. Supply sufficient variety and freshness of color to maintain interest. Enhance the phrasing.

Is mezzanine or orchestra better?

Closer up on the sides, close to the aisle, can be better than center orchestra farther back. ... Mezzanine seating can offer a more panoramic view and, if you're in the first row or two, you'll often be closer to the stage than you would have been in the orchestra.

What is a Radio Symphony orchestra?

A radio orchestra (or broadcast orchestra) is an orchestra employed by a radio network (and sometimes television networks) in order to provide programming as well as sometimes perform incidental or theme music for various shows on the network.

What's the difference between composer and orchestrator?

The answer, of course is: it varies. Most composers who have musical training behind them will generally write out a paper sketch indicating what instruments are playing, and so on. This is given to the orchestrator, who will then write out the individual parts for the ensemble playing the film score.

Does an orchestra have a flute?

The flute used in an orchestra is usually made of silver metal, and with at least 13 tone holes controlled by valves. The flute family includes the C-flute and the piccolo as well as the more unusual alto flute and bass flute. But flutes have existed in all times and in all cultures and there are many, many variants.

How much do Orchestra musicians make UK?

In fact, even with salaried, full-time employment, many British orchestral musicians are struggling to pay their bills. On Wednesday, the Musicians' Union (MU) in the U. K. published research showing that orchestral players — including those holding full-time jobs as ensemble musicians — on average earn under $30,000.

24 Related Question Answers Found:

A full orchestra is usually composed of how many musicians?

A modern full-scale symphony orchestra consists of approximately one hundred permanent musicians, most often distributed as follows: 16–18 1st violins, 16 2nd violins, 12 violas, 12 cellos, 8 double basses, 4 flutes (one with piccolo as a specialty), 4 oboes (one with English horn as a specialty), 4 clarinets (one with ...

Put orchestra in a sentence?

Orchestra sentence example. The diameter of the orchestra is 762 ft. As the light faded from the treetops, the birds grew silent and insects began their orchestra of night sounds.

Was the baritone in the orchestra?

Baritones are used mainly in brass bands, but are used in some wind band pieces, such as the Holst First Suite in Eb. Originally Answered: Why are baritones and euphoniums used in symphonic orchestra? Neither baritones, nor euphoniums are generally used in a symphonic orchestra.

Where do instruments sit in the orchestra?

The strings sit at the front of the stage in a fan-shape in front of the conductor. The first violins are on the conductor's left, then come the second violins, then the violas and then the cellos. The double basses are behind the cellos.

What do the drums do in the orchestra?

Timpani drums are an important member of the orchestral percussion family because they support the rhythm, melody, and harmony of the music. Most orchestras feature a set of four timpani where each is of different size and set to a unique pitch.

What is a large orchestra called?

An orchestra is a group of musicians playing instruments together. They make music. A large orchestra is sometimes called a "symphony orchestra" and a small orchestra is called a "chamber orchestra".

Why are there so many violins in orchestra?

Violins are well-suited to playing melody, making them one of the most important instruments in the orchestra. Firstly, they are the highest string instrument, so their bright tone rises above the rest of the string section. Secondly, they are played with a bow, unlike woodwind or brass instrument which rely on air.

Is there an intermission in Trans-Siberian Orchestra?

If there's an intermission, people won't be dismissed all at once. Per the ESA's guide, "Intermission presents the same social distancing challenges as ingress [entering a venue] and egress [exiting a venue], with the distinction that some patrons will remain seated.

Can you play guitar in an orchestra?

Guitars are not suitable for orchestra. There are a few reasons for that. Guitars have very strong attack, at least in comparison with other orchestra sections. Like brass, woodwinds or strings (violins, cellos etc).

What is the name of the rock orchestra?

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Origin Tampa, Florida, United StatesGenresSymphonic metal progressive rock heavy metal Christmas hard rock neoclassical metalYears active1996 – present Labels Lava Atlantic Rhino Republic

When did the double bass enter in the orchestra?

Forms of the double bass date from the late 15th or early 16th century and were in common use by the 18th century. Ludwig van Beethoven and later composers gave the bass increased importance in the symphony orchestra.

What is the largest section of the Western orchestra?

The strings section contains harps, violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Traditionally, this is the largest section of the orchestra, often double or even triple the size of the other sections, so this is also the section that generally carries the melody.

What is an orchestra manager?

Orchestra Manager. The general manager of an orchestra oversees its human and financial resources, and is responsible for scheduling and production; negotiating and fulfilling contracts with musicians, venues, and vendors; and managing the details of the orchestra's recording, electronic media, and outreach projects.

How large is a symphony orchestra?

A symphony orchestra will usually have over eighty musicians on its roster, in some cases over a hundred, but the actual number of musicians employed in a particular performance may vary according to the work being played and the size of the venue.