The orchestra: structure and instruments

In short: A symphony orchestra consists of four large sections: strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Together, and led by a conductor, they perform works ranging from classical music to film scores.

In more detail: The strings form the largest section and usually sit at the front, with the louder wind instruments and the percussion further back. For some works a large symphony orchestra can include around a hundred musicians.

In detail

• Strings: First and second violins, violas, cellos and double basses often carry the melody and harmony.
• Woodwind: Flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons provide colourful solo voices; the flute counts as a woodwind instrument even though it is made of metal.
• Brass: Horns, trumpets, trombones and tuba bring power and brilliance to the sound.
• Percussion: Timpani form the foundation, joined for example by cymbals, bass drum, triangle and tuned percussion.
• Other instruments: Depending on the work, harp, piano, celesta or organ may also play.
• Conductor: The conductor sets the tempo and cues, shapes dynamics and expression and holds the ensemble together.
• Leader: The principal first violinist, called the leader in Britain and the concertmaster elsewhere, leads the strings, plays solos and links the orchestra with the conductor.
• Tuning: Before a concert the oboe usually gives the note A, to which everyone tunes.
• Score and development: The full score shows all parts one below the other; baroque orchestras were still small, while the orchestra grew considerably in the 19th century (musikinstrumente-familien, blasinstrumente-ueberblick, stimmung-und-tonhoehe).