Who directs orchestral performance?

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What does conductor mean? One who conducts or leads; a guide; a director. A person who conducts an orchestra, choir or other music ensemble; a professional whose occupation is conducting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many instruments are in a full symphony 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 ...

Where did the orchestra originate from?

The word derives from the ancient Greek part of a stage where instruments and the chorus combined music and drama to create theater. The first semblance of a modern orchestra came in the early 17th century when the Italian opera composer Claudio Monteverdi formally assigned specific instruments to perform his music.

Who leads the musician in an orchestra?

Conductor

What is the difference between orchestra and symphony?

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.

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.

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What is the lowest 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. A standard double bass is just over 6 feet in length.

What is the oboes role in the orchestra?

It is the job of the principal oboist to tune the orchestra to an A at the beginning of each concert. The other key role of the oboe is that it usually carries the melody with its lyrical and mournful color, often heard as the solo instrument in the most emotional sections of music.

Why do orchestras wear white tie?

The white bow tie with the black tuxedo usually indicates a highly formal event such as opening night for the season. When I had performed in pit orchestras years ago we wore black bow ties with black tuxedos.

Are there many musicians in the orchestra?

The typical symphony orchestra consists of four groups of related musical instruments called the woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. ... A chamber orchestra is usually a smaller ensemble; a major chamber orchestra might employ as many as fifty musicians, but some are much smaller.

Is balcony or orchestra seats better?

The word "balcony" has a certain nose-bleed connotation, and ticket buyers are less spooked by the word "mezzanine." Front mezzanine seats are usually as good as orchestra seats, sometimes better, depending on the show. For a show with a visual sweep or intricate choreography, you might be better off in the mezzanine.

What period did the orchestra started to perform?

The word derives from the ancient Greek part of a stage where instruments and the chorus combined music and drama to create theater. The first semblance of a modern orchestra came in the early 17th century when the Italian opera composer Claudio Monteverdi formally assigned specific instruments to perform his music.

Do orchestra players have other jobs?

For local groups that play five or six concerts per year, those players have other jobs. Most people in full time professional orchestras also teach privately or at local universities and conservatories.

What do orchestras do?

Orchestras play a wide range of repertoire, including symphonies, opera and ballet overtures, concertos for solo instruments, and as pit ensembles for operas, ballets, and some types of musical theatre (e.g., Gilbert and Sullivan operettas).

What are the top symphony orchestras in the US?

Greatest Symphonies in the USSan Francisco Symphony Orchestra. The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra was established in 1911. ... New York Philharmonic. ... Boston Symphony Orchestra. ... Los Angeles Philharmonic. ... Cleveland Orchestra. ... Chicago Symphony Orchestra.