What is the point of an orchestra conductor?

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Answer:

Most importantly a conductor serves as a messenger for the composer. It is their responsibility to understand the music and convey it through gesture so transparently that the musicians in the orchestra understand it perfectly. Those musicians can then transmit a unified vision of the music out to the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is an orchestra recorded?

Engineers use a wide variety of techniques when recording orchestras or small ensembles, from simply placing one stereo microphone just above and behind the conductor's head to using several spot mics for each instrument section in conjunction with one to several ambient microphones.

How is the classical orchestra different from the Baroque Orchestra?

The Baroque period was between the years 1600 and 1750. Key features included small orchestras, with often a focus on the harpsichord or string instruments, and often polyphonic textures. Example composers would be Bach or Handel. The Classical period came after, between the years 1750 and 1820.

Do orchestras use microphones?

Since the 1960s, music theatre companies have reinforced the sound of the orchestra by placing microphones on instruments and amplifying them through a public address system. While this results in a louder sound, it may not correctly reproduce the ensemble sound and instrument tone.

How do you audition for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra?

Contact the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at management@trans-siberian. com and inquire about an audition. Practice, practice, practice. The TSO is prestigious and accepts only the most technical musicians. Play along with their albums until you feel confident you would fit in musically with the band.

Which string instrument would you find in a 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.

What are the major sections of the orchestra?

The Sections of the Orchestra. The typical orchestra is divided into four groups of instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

15 Related Question Answers Found:

How many instruments play in an orchestra?

The typical symphony orchestra consists of four groups of related musical instruments called the woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings (violin, viola, cello, and double bass).

How many musicians are in a chamber orchestra?

A smaller-sized orchestra (forty to fifty musicians or fewer) is called a chamber orchestra. A full-size orchestra (eighty to one hundred musicians or more) may be called a symphony orchestra.

What instruments are there in an orchestra?

Instruments of the OrchestraStrings. Learn about the string instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp! ... Woodwinds. Learn about the woodwind instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon! ... Brass. Learn about the brass instruments: trumpet, french horn, trombone, and tuba! ... Percussion.

Where is the piano in the orchestra?

Do you think the piano belongs in this section? Well, it does have strings, 88 of them, but most experts consider it a percussion instrument because of the way the strings are struck by small hammers to make their sound. Therefore you will find it listed under the Percussion section later on this page.

What is an orchestral snare drum?

A snare drum is constructed of a hollow cylinder made of metal or wood, with two drumheads stretched over it—one on the top and one on the bottom. The drumheads are made of calfskin or plastic. ... Orchestral snare drums are generally 14 inches in diameter and vary in depth from around five to six inches.

Which instruments are known as orchestral instruments?

Instruments of the OrchestraStrings. Learn about the string instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp! ... Woodwinds. Learn about the woodwind instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon! ... Brass. Learn about the brass instruments: trumpet, french horn, trombone, and tuba! ... Percussion.

Is Trans-Siberian Orchestra symphonic metal?

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a rock orchestra founded in New York City, USA by Paul O'Neill, Robert Kinkel, Jon Oliva, and Al Pitrelli in 1996. ... The roots of TSO are found in Savatage, a traditional heavy metal band that gradually progressed into a symphonic metal act.

What woodwind instrument is not used in an orchestra?

You may be surprised that the saxophone is not here. This is the one instrument that is always found in bands and wind ensembles, but only very rarely plays in the orchestra. Although flutes may be made of wood, the orchestral flute is usually made of metal. It also does not have a reed.

How long does an orchestra rehearse?

Some professional orchestras rehearse as little as two times before performing. Community orchestras usually have about 1-2 months of rehearsals prior to a concert. Still, that is not enough time to memorize 3 or 4 pieces which can span 3-6+ pages each.