Is a row of string players in an orchestra called a desk?

Answer:

In a typical stage set-up, the first and second violins, violas and cellos are seated by twos, a pair of performers sharing a stand being called a "desk", Each principal (or section leader) is usually on the "outside" of the first desk, that is, closest to the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What instrument section does an orchestra have that a band Wind ensemble does not?

The orchestra also contains a wind section, but it is much smaller than a concert band. Basically, the concert band does not contain stringed instruments, except the occasional string bass or harp. Additionally, these ensembles traditionally play different styles of music.

Does an orchestra have a saxophone?

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the saxophone found increased popularity in symphony orchestras. The instrument has also been used in opera and choral music. Musical theatre scores also can include parts for saxophone, sometimes doubling another woodwind or brass instrument.

What is difference between a band and an orchestra?

An orchestra is a large group of musicians which can include even 100 or more members. A band is a small group of musicians which generally includes a lesser number of members than orchestras. Orchestras use four main families of instruments – strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

What are characteristics of orchestral music?

The orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble and really one of the traditional forms of Western music. The traditional orchestra has five sections of instruments: the woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, and keyboards. The strings section is usually the largest and generally carries the melody.

Whats the difference between a philharmonic orchestra and a symphony orchestra?

A symphony orchestra and a philharmonic are the same thing - sort of. They're the same size and they play the same kind of music. ... “Symphony orchestra” is a generic term, whereas “philharmonic orchestra” is always part of a proper name.

What are the two sections of violins in an orchestra?

In symphony orchestras there are two sections of violins. The first violin section is always on the conductor's left. Seating of second violins may vary in accordance with the conductor's wishes. They may sit next to the first violins and next to the violas or be placed directly opposite the first violins.

22 Related Question Answers Found:

What are the two clarinets primarily used in the orchestra?

In modern times, the most common clarinet is the B♭ clarinet. However, the clarinet in A, pitched a semitone lower, is regularly used in orchestral, chamber and solo music. An orchestral clarinetist must own both a clarinet in A and B♭ since the repertoire is divided fairly evenly between the two.

Why does the orchestra sit the way it does?

“The board was outraged, arguing that the winds 'weren't busy enough to put on a good show. ' “But in the 1920s he made one change that stuck: he arranged the strings from high to low, left to right, arguing that placing all the violins together helped the musicians to hear one another better.

What is a modern orchestra?

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 ...

Is there a percussion in the orchestra?

The Percussion Family. The percussion family is the largest in the orchestra. ... The most common percussion instruments in the orchestra include the timpani, xylophone, cymbals, triangle, snare drum, bass drum, tambourine, maracas, gongs, chimes, celesta, and piano.

How did Trans Siberian orchestra get their name?

O'Neill is a guitarist who played professionally and joined the orchestras for Broadway productions of Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. ... For it, he planned the sound of the large symphonic rock orchestra, and named it The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, though neither it nor O'Neill have any connection with Siberia.

Do all musicals have a live orchestra?

Broadway musicals always have live music, and Broadway performers always sing live. Hamilton music in the theatre is maybe about 5% recorded if not less. But the pre-recorded sounds are still triggered manually by the drummer.

What effect does string instruments have in thee orchestra?

Sound Production: All string instruments make their sound by vibrating a tightly stretched string. A bow of horsehair is drawn over the strings making them vibrate into a soaring, singing sound. For a special effect, the player plucks the strings (pizzicato playing) creating a short, bright sound.

What instrument has the largest range in the orchestra?

The short answer to your question is that the cello has by a long shot the largest useable range: its lowest note is C2 (quite low, but still pleasant and melodious) and any professional player can play melodies up past D5, meaning it has a useable range of over three octaves.

Does orchestra include singing?

An orchestra is a group of musicians who play together on various instruments. Sometimes it performs alone ,at other times it plays along with a group of singers. Orchestras give concerts and play for ballets or operas. They also provide background music for movies and TV shows.

Is a cor anglais in an orchestra?

English horn, French cor anglais, German Englischhorn, orchestral woodwind instrument, a large oboe pitched a fifth below the ordinary oboe, with a bulbous bell and, at the top end, a bent metal crook on which the double reed is placed.

Is first chair in orchestra?

First chair, or principal player, is second only to the conductor or maestro in an ensemble. It is the chair quite literally closest to the conductor in each section. ... In a large orchestra ensemble, the concertmaster, or first violinist, gives a subtle mark to the first oboist, who tunes each section with an “A” pitch.

How does the conductor get the orchestra to play loud or soft?

The conductor's most-obvious role is to lead the orchestra - to direct them when to start, when to stop, how fast to go, when to play louder, when to play softer, and so on. The conductor does this not by verbal instructions but rather by the movement of his hands and arms.

What types of music is the cello used in apart from orchestral?

As a solo instrument, the cello uses its whole range, from bass to soprano, and in chamber music such as string quartets and the orchestra's string section, it often plays the bass part, where it may be reinforced an octave lower by the double basses.Developed: c. 1660 from Other names: Violoncello

Is the flute an important instrument of the orchestra?

Although originally made from wood, the flute is one of the few instruments in the woodwind family that is made from metal. ... It started to become popular in Europe in the 1500s became an important instrument in chamber orchestras.