Which country does the word orchestra come from?

Answer:

The term orchestra derives from the Greek ὀρχήστρα (orchestra), the name for the area in front of a stage in ancient Greek theatre reserved for the Greek chorus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the master of orchestration?

Haydn. Joseph Haydn was a pioneer of symphonic form, but he was also a pioneer of orchestration. In the minuet of Symphony No. 97, “we can see why Rimsky-Korsakov declared Haydn to be the greatest of all masters of orchestration.

When was the Orchestra added to The Tabernacle Choir?

1999

Which string instrument has the least players in an orchestra?

The double bass (four strings, played standing or nearly standing) is the lowest instrument commonly found in a string orchestra.

What is the orchestra pit?

An orchestra pit is the area in a theater (usually located in a lowered area in front of the stage) in which musicians perform. Orchestral pits are utilized in forms of theatre that require music (such as opera and ballet) or in cases when incidental music is required.

What does the conductor of an orchestra do and what are cues tempo and dynamics?

The primary responsibilities of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble, and to control the interpretation and pacing of the music.

19 Related Question Answers Found:

Is the Boston Pops the same as the Boston Symphony Orchestra?

The Boston Pops is made up of all the members of the Boston Symphony EXCEPT for the first chairs. The first chairs tour as the Boston Symphony Chamber Players. ... The BPEO is the branch of the Pops that tours; while the BSO's Boston Pops orchestra plays all the Pops concerts at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood in the summer.

What makes a full 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 ...

Can accordions be in orchestras?

The accordion that originated as a folk instrument is really so much more than that. It has evolved from a folk instrument and is now seen in a wide range of settings such as education, film, orchestras and symphonies.

Is orchestral music the same as classical?

“Gone are the days of classical repertoire standing alone and just being enough,” he said. ... Classical music for a modern British orchestra has a new name – it's simply called orchestral music.”

Why do you need a conductor in an orchestra?

The primary responsibilities of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble, and to control the interpretation and pacing of the music. ... Typically, orchestral conductors use a baton more often than choral conductors.

How many instruments are in an 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 is a full size orchestra?

At its most basic, an orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. ... A full-size orchestra (eighty to one hundred musicians or more) may be called a symphony orchestra.

Does the guiro play in the orchestra?

Like maracas or claves, the guiro keeps time during a performance, making it a popular instrument for a lead singer. In addition to Latin music, the guiro is also found in the percussion sections of Western classical orchestras, sometimes referred to as a 'grater' in musical scores.

How are instruments organized in an orchestra?

The instruments of the orchestra are organized into families: Strings – String Instruments use vibrating strings to make their sound. The violin is an example of a string instrument. Woodwinds – Woodwind instruments are made of a long hollow tube of wood or metal.

What does the conductor of an orchestra literally do?

The primary responsibilities of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble, and to control the interpretation and pacing of the music. ... Typically, orchestral conductors use a baton more often than choral conductors.

What is the name the music for an orchestra?

The most frequently performed repertoire for a symphony orchestra is Western classical music or opera. However, orchestras are used sometimes in popular music (e.g., to accompany a rock or pop band in a concert), extensively in film music, and increasingly often in video game music.