Why did Benjamin Britten write The Young Person’s Guide to the orchestra?

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Answer:

When Benjamin Britten was asked to write a piece introducing children to the instruments of the orchestra, he thought that a theme and variations was the best way to do this. He composed The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (also known as Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell) in 1945.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many glockenspiels are in an orchestra?

The orchestral glockenspiel consists of a series of from twenty-seven to thirty-sevengraduated bars of steel, chromatically tuned, and mounted and played in similar manner to the xylophone.

When was the Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra written?

1946

How many horns are typical in an orchestra?

There are anywhere from 2 to 8 French horns in an orchestra, and they play both melody and harmony as well as rhythm.

What is the verb of orchestra?

Transitive verb. 1a : to compose or arrange (music) for an orchestra The composer orchestrated the music for the symphony orchestra.

Which 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.

Where do orchestras play?

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.

20 Related Question Answers Found:

Why do orchestras have so many of the same instrument?

The basic principle is very simple. The more important and busy parts you have, the lower the volume, the higher the rank on the same instrument, the closer you sit to the conductor. Of the harmonization theory of Western music, the four-voice system is also applied to the orchestra.

Did Lindsey Stirling tour with Trans-Siberian Orchestra?

Instrumental music with a modern flair is at the forefront of Tuesday's new ticket listings, as both violinist Lindsey Stirling and famed group Trans-Siberian Orchestra headline the day....Presale.

EventLindsey Stirling: The Wanderland Tour
VenueBeacon Theatre
CityNew York, NY
DateWed, 12/12/2018 8:00 PM
SellerTMUSA
90 more columns•10-Sep-2018

What is the role of the string section in the orchestra?

If the string section is the most defining of the orchestra, the violins are generally the most defining members of the string family (don't tell the cellists). The violins carry the melody, particularly the first violins. The second violins will often support the first violins' harmony by playing it in a lower pitch.

Does Andre Rieus wife play in his orchestra?

He is known for his breathtaking and passionate performances on stage with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, but for legendary musician Andre Rieu, it doesn't compete with his love for his wife of 43 years, Marjorie. ...

Was there an orchestra on the Titanic?

The orchestra of the Titanic was a group of musicians who played aboard the ship to entertain the first class passengers. They are known for playing throughout the ship's sinking. There was also a string trio that catered to the super wealthy passengers who dined in the A La Carte Restaurant.

Who started the orchestra?

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 you dress up for an orchestra?

Symphony patrons generally wear semiformal or business attire. On certain occasions, such as an opening night, formal attire might be requested.

What does it take to play in an 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. ... Secondly, study with a teacher who either has experience playing in an orchestra OR has had students get placed in an orchestra.

Why have an orchestra laptop?

The laptop orchestra presents a challenging field of opportunity to both explore the appeals of making music in large numbers – people and their relationships are front and centre in this ensemble – and see what might be possible with new technologies.

How heavy is a bass orchestra?

The DB will run approximately 20 to 25 lbs and the trunk can be anywhere from 45 lbs to well, a lot more, depending on the trunk.

Does orchestra have trumpets?

There are 2 to 4 trumpets in an orchestra and they play both melody and harmony and also support the rhythm. You play the trumpet by holding it horizontally, buzzing your lips into the mouthpiece, and pressing down the three valves in various combinations to change pitch.