What makes up a symphony

A large orchestra more than forty players , is referred to as a symphony orchestra. The term orchestra derives from the Greek name for the semi-circular area in front of the ancient Greek stage reserved for the chorus in theatrical presentations. People have been assembling different combinations of instruments for thousands and thousands of years.

The origins of orchestras date back to Ancient Egypt. However, only during the last years have musicians begun to form groups that are known today as orchestras. Composers, for the first time, began writing for specific combinations of instruments. During this period, the concertmaster or first chair violinist would lead the performance from their chair. As orchestras grew, musicians could no longer see the concertmaster and conductors were introduced. Conductors stand and still do, on a podium in the middle of the orchestra so they can be seen by all the musicians.

Among the instrument families and within each group of instruments, there is an accepted hierarchy. Every instrumental group or section has a principal who is responsible for leading the group and playing solos. The violins are divided into two groups, first violin and second violin, and therefore have two principals. The principal first violin is called the concertmaster or leader and is considered the leader of not only the string section but of the entire orchestra, subordinate only to the conductor.

It is interesting to note that the French horn, while technically a brass instrument, often acts in the role of both woodwind and brass. And most major orchestras play for a season lasting only about nine- months a year. Longer distances, more rehearsals, more musicians, a big-name conductor — all these would increase your bill. But basically, this is a bargain.

Symphony orchestras in larger cities such as St. A full-scale orchestra playing a symphony includes at least 90 musicians, while a smaller orchestra playing a chamber piece ranges from 15 to Sections of the orchestra can perform separately? Conductors act as guides to the orchestras or choirs they conduct. They choose the works to be performed and study their scores, to which they may make certain adjustments such as in tempo, articulation, phrasing, repetitions of sections , work out their interpretation, and relay their vision to the performers.

The conductor is the one who tell all the performers how to play. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search.

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