What is the role of the second violin in an orchestra?

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Answer:

The simplest answer is to say that usually the second violins play a supportive role harmonically and rhythmically to the first violins which often play the melody and the highest line of the string section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four families of the symphony orchestra?

Each instrument has unique characteristics, such as the different ways they produce a sound, the materials used to create them, and their overall appearance. These characteristics ultimately divide instruments into four families: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings.

How big is a full 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 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 ...

What orchestra played West Side Story?

Symphonic Dances Form West Side Story was premiered by the New York Philharmonic on February 13, 1961, but the conductor was Lukas Foss.

What instruments are in a full orchestra?

Instruments of the OrchestraString family. Violin. Viola [vee-OH-lah] Cello (violoncello) [CHEL-low] ... Woodwind family. Flute, Piccolo. Oboe, English horn. Clarinet, Bass clarinet. ... Brass family. Trumpet. Horn (French horn) Trombone. ... Keyboards and Harp. Celesta [cheh-LESS-tah] Piano. Harpsichord.

20 Related Question Answers Found:

How many strings are in an orchestra?

String orchestras can be of chamber orchestra size ranging from between 12 (4 first violins, 3 second violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos and 1 bass = 12) and 21 musicians (6 first violins, 5 second violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos and 2 double basses= 21) sometimes performing without a conductor.

How hard is it to be in a professional orchestra?

The path to obtaining a job in an orchestra is somewhat straightforward. First, you nearly always have to attend a great music school, at least at the Master's degree level. It is true that some undergraduates can go straight into an orchestral position, but it is rare.

What are the 4 families of Western orchestra instruments?

Each instrument has unique characteristics, such as the different ways they produce a sound, the materials used to create them, and their overall appearance. These characteristics ultimately divide instruments into four families: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings.

Are there any black orchestra conductors?

According to a 2004 article in the Guardian, "black conductors are rare in the classical music world and even in symphony orchestras it is unusual to see more than one or two black musicians." Canadian-born black conductor Kwamé Ryan, who studied music at Cambridge University and in Germany, made his professional ...

Who is the principal player in an orchestra?

The section principal in an orchestra, as well as any large musical ensemble, is the lead player for each respective section of instruments. For example, there are multiple sections in an orchestra. The strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion sections all have subsections.

Can you eat at a Orchestra concert?

Members of the Orchestra usually try to avoid eating too much before a performance. This could cause performers to feelgroggy and can inhibit the movement and flexibility of the diaphragm. Energy can be utilized most when eating foods that can be metabolized quickly.

What are orchestra members called?

They make music. A large orchestra is sometimes called a "symphony orchestra" and a small orchestra is called a "chamber orchestra". A symphony orchestra may have about 100 players, while a chamber orchestra may have 30 or 40 players.

What two things happened to the orchestra during the Romantic period?

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)Más elementos…

Is Electric Light Orchestra psychedelic?

ELO, ELO Part II and The Orchestra to bring orchestral, psychedelic rock to the Amp. ... ELO first hit the scene in the 1970s, as a hybrid rock/orchestral group with hits like “Strange Magic,” “Can't Get it Out of My Head,” “Mr.

Is trumpet band or orchestra?

As the soprano voice, the trumpets often lead the brass section often carrying the melody. Because of its roots in medieval courts, it is often used to be an example of prestige and nobility. It plays an important role in orchestra and is often featured in modern concert bands.

How is the director of a play to an orchestra conductor?

The director of a play and an orchestra conductor are similar in many ways because both manage the team involved in the whole production to give the required performance. Both plan an output, break it up into pieces and assign the parts to the respective person in the team.

Are harps used in orchestras?

The harp is the only plucked-string instrument to be a regular member of the orchestra. ... Most typically there are one or two harps, though the Philadelphia and Metropolitan Operas are the only North American orchestras with second-harp positions these days.