What was the original purpose for the circular area called the orchestra?

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Answer:

Orchestra: The orchestra (literally, "dancing space") was normally circular. It was a level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who were on the stage near the skene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What instruments are in a chamber orchestra?

Here are some suggestions of more traditional instruments used for chamber music:String - violin, viola, cello, double bass, classical guitar. Woodwind - flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, recorder. Brass - trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium.

Which section of the orchestra has most players?

String family

What does an orchestra play?

You might hear the music orchestras play described as orchestral, symphonic, and classical. Let's break it down: Orchestral music is work performed by an orchestra. An orchestra has a traditional sound involving the brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion.

How many orchestras are there?

There were 1,224 symphony orchestras in the United States as of 2014. Some U. S. orchestras maintain a full 52-week performing season, but most are small and have shorter seasons.

Why is the saxophone not in an orchestra?

It was rapidly assimilated into military bands and by the turn of the century could be found in vaudeville acts and other similar genres as a novelty instrument. All of these factors combined suggest why the saxophone never became part of the orchestra.

18 Related Question Answers Found:

What kind of instruments are in an 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.

What is the lowest pitched string 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.

How does orchestra conductor work?

The conductor is there to bring a musical score to life, communicating their own highly refined sense of the work through an individual language of gestures, which might sculpt the musical line, tease out nuances, emphasise certain musical elements while controlling others, and essentially re-imagine an old piece anew.

What makes an orchestra an orchestra?

An orchestra is a group of musicians with a variety of instruments, which usually includes the violin family. A symphony orchestra (often just called “a symphony” for short) is an orchestra that has both the number of players and types of instruments required to play a symphony.

Is the trumpet an orchestra?

The brass family members that are most commonly used in the orchestra include the trumpet, French horn, trombone, and the tuba.

How many instruments are in the string family in the orchestra?

A total of forty-four are used in full orchestras. The string family is the largest family in the orchestra, accounting for over half of the total number of musicians on stage. The string instruments all have carved, hollow, wooden bodies with four strings running from top to bottom.

How much does an orchestra recording cost?

Recording a 60-90 minute orchestral film score can cost anything from $30,000 up to $1,000,000 and beyond. In London or LA, a reasonable average for musicians and studio is around $100,000.

Why do Orchestra members wear headphones?

In almost every recording session orchestral players are required to wear headsets. It covers one ear so u can still hear your own playing. Through this ear you will be fed a click in the tempo of the music. (Known as click track) This is to facilitate perfect timing to a film for example.

Which instrument is the highest sounding in the orchestra?

The Flute. The flute is the highest sounding of the standard orchestra woodwind instruments (although the piccolo is higher). It's played played by blowing air across a hole in the mouthpiece. Because it's higher in pitch, like the violin, it will often play the melody of a piece.

What drums are used in cinematic orchestra?

Particularly various types of Taiko Drums and Frame Drums are more used today. As well as lots of auxiliary percussion in the mid to high range. Traditional style percussive instruments include ethnic drums like bongos, congas and dhols. But also various types of shakers, marching drums and so on.

Why is the violinist the leader of the orchestra?

Presuming the orchestra has a normal string section (i.e., there are violins), there's one simple reason the leader of the first violins is also the leader of the orchestra: they sit at the front close to the conductor, and everyone can see their bow and instrument.

Do you need a music degree to play in a pit orchestra?

I agree with the other responses here: you don't necessarily need a degree in music to be in an orchestra, but studying to earn one can help you prepare, and holding one can give you credibility to obtain an audition.

Is Symphony the same as an orchestra?

A symphony is a large-scale musical composition, usually with three or four movements. An orchestra is a group of musicians with a variety of instruments, which usually includes the violin family.