Name the largest stringed instrument in an orchestra?

Asked: Last Updated:

Answer:

Double bass
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 instruments are not found in an orchestra?

8 Instruments Rarely Used In Orchestra

  • Harp – Although the harp is one of the most common instruments in the history of music, it is not always used in most classical compositions. ...
  • Glass Armonica – ...
  • Saxophone – ...
  • Wagner Tuba – ...
  • Alto Flute – ...
  • Sarrusophone – ...
  • Theremin – ...
  • Organ –
Dec 16, 2016

Where are orchestras played?

Today orchestras can usually be heard in concert halls. They also play in opera houses for opera and ballet, or in a large stadium for huge open-air concerts.

Why is percussion in the back of the orchestra?

Percussion is, by its very nature, L O U D if you are close to it. Putting it at the back of an orchestra does two things. It allows a bit of space which mellows the sound, and second puts a lot of soft sound absorbers (other members of the orchestra) between the player and the audience.

How many instruments could be found in the Romantic orchestra?

Romantic Orchestra (1815-1910) Romantic orchestras had as many as 100 players or more, and featuredgreater use of brass and piano.

How many parts are in an orchestra?

Orchestras are made up of four main sections: strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Of these four, the string family is typically the largest section, often comprising half the orchestra performers. The string section itself is divided further into four – or five – sections, depending on how you break it down.

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

The short answer is: there is no difference at all. They are different names for the same thing, that is, a full-sized orchestra of around 100 musicians, intended primarily for a symphonic repertoire.

Which woodwind instrument gained its place in the orchestra during the classical period?

Clarinet

19 Related Question Answers Found:

What is the lowest pitched instrument in the orchestra?

The double bass is the biggest and lowest pitched instrument in the string family. The deep, very low sounds of the double bass are often used to help hold together the harmonies and to help carry the rhythm. There are 6-8 double basses in an orchestra. A standard double bass is just over 6 feet in length.

Why do orchestras play behind the beat?

Here's the simple response: When an orchestra plays behind the conductor, it has the room to produce a more expressive sound. ... Waiting a tick allows the ensemble to take in the trajectory, speed and style of a conductor's beat, which helps them determine what kind of sound the conductor is hoping to achieve.

What are the five main string instruments of the symphony orchestra?

A Symphony Orchestra is defined as a large ensemble composed of wind, string, brass and percussion instruments and organized to perform classical music. Wind instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoons. String instruments include harp, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

How many people are in a professional 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.

Does orchestra include clarinet?

In an orchestra, the clarinet takes on both solo roles and the middle register of the woodwind part, while in music for wind instruments the clarinet assumes a leading role (along with the trumpet). Due to its warm timbre and all-action playing style, it is also used as a solo instrument in genres such as swing jazz.

What are the musical piece performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra?

Miller's first million-selling recording, his own composition, was “Moonlight Serenade” (1939). Other hits from the nation's most popular big band included “In the Mood,” “Sunrise Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “Perfidia.” Glenn Miller, centre, performs with his orchestra in the movie Sun Valley Serenade.

Who is a famous snare drum player in an orchestra?

Though Phil Collins also played jazz, he is best known for being the lead drummer in the Prog-Rock band Genesis. He is widely considered to have been the best drummer of the 1970s, often coming into the studio to support other well-known names. He is known for his “gated snare” drum sound.

What instruments are in a romantic orchestra?

During the romantic period, the orchestra had become a great force due to its increasing size including the following:strings - larger string section. woodwind - flutes and piccolo, oboes and clarinets, bassoon and double bassoons. brass - trumpets, trombones and French horns (tuba added later in the period)More items...

What are the three clefs that you'll see in an orchestral score?

The three clef symbols used in modern music notation are the G-clef, F-clef, and C-clef. Placing these clefs on a line fixes a reference note to that line—an F-clef fixes the F below middle C, a C-clef fixes middle C, and a G-clef fixes the G above middle C.

Does Trans-Siberian orchestra lip-sync?

That's what's really important with Trans-Siberian. Despite the size of the band and the complexity of the music, there's no tapes, no lip syncing there's no nothing. ... Nobody's lip-syncing. The string parts are all live.

What are the names of six famous orchestras?

The top 20 orchestras in the world: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam. Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. London Symphony Orchestra. Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Cleveland Orchestra. Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Are there drums in an 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.