orchestration test 1

What is the origin of the word orchestra?

The word orchestra comes from ancient Greece and referred to the space in front of the stage where the chorus performed.

What were instrumental ensembles like in the Middle Ages and Renaissance?

They did not have fixed instrumentation. Parts were not written for specific instruments, ensembles mainly accompanied voices or improvised, and instruments were assigned by range rather than timbre. The choice of instruments was left to the consort.

When did the orchestra as we know it begin to develop?

According to Adler, the orchestra evolved slowly starting around 1600.

How is the history of the orchestra divided?

two main periods:

1. From its beginnings to the deaths of Bach (1750) and Handel (1759)

2. From the Mannheim School, Haydn, and Mozart to the present

What was the first major development of the early Baroque orchestra?

The establishment of the string choir, which became the nucleus of the orchestra.

Were early Baroque instruments of high quality?

Yes. Instruments by makers such as Stradivari, Amati, and Guarneri were of exceptional quality, often considered superior to modern instruments.

What was Monteverdi’s most important orchestral work?

L’Orfeo (1607), which used up to 40 players and specified instruments for dramatic effect.

How did Lully contribute to orchestral development?

In late 1600s France, Lully wrote for ensembles of strings and woodwinds, with woodwinds sometimes doubling strings and sometimes playing contrasting passages. He also occasionally added horns, trumpets, and timpani.

What was the continuo?

A combination of a keyboard instrument and a bass instrument that provided harmonic and rhythmic support, similar to a modern jazz rhythm section.

What did Bach’s orchestra typically include?

For his Leipzig choir, Bach used:

• 2 flutes (as needed)

• 2–3 oboes

• 1–2 bassoons

• 3 trumpets and timpani

• Strings with continuo
  This totaled about 18–24 players

What distinction emerged toward the end of the 17th century?

• Chamber music: one instrument per part

• Orchestral music: multiple instruments per part

What characterized the Classical orchestra?

It consisted of three choirs:

1. Strings

2. Woodwinds

3. Brass

What was the first percussion instrument regularly used in the orchestra?

timpani

What percussion instruments were added later?

Snare drum, bass drum, triangle, cymbals, and other “Turkish” instruments, especially in opera.

How large was the Classical orchestra?

• Haydn’s orchestra: usually 25 players or fewer

• By the 1790s in Vienna: up to 35 players

What instruments were added toward the end of the Classical period?

Piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, contrabassoon, trombones, harp, and expanded percussion.

Why was the Mannheim orchestra important?

Under Johann Stamitz, it became one of the first independent orchestral ensembles, helped develop the symphony, promoted orchestral concerts, and was famous for its gradual crescendos.

What happened to the continuo by the end of the 18th century?

It was eliminated, with rhythmic momentum sustained by fuller orchestration.

When did the orchestra experience its greatest growth?

During the Romantic era, when the orchestra more than doubled in size. Berlioz was especially influential.

What characterized late Romantic and early 20th-century orchestras?

Very large ensembles with expanded strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harps, and sometimes organ and choir (e.g., Mahler, Strauss, Stravinsky).

What made Mahler’s Second Symphony (1895) notable?

It required massive forces, including:

• Huge string section

• 17 woodwinds

• 25 brass

• 6 timpani and other percussion

• 4+ harps, organ, choir, and vocal soloists

How does today’s orchestra compare to Romantic orchestras?

Modern orchestras are generally smaller, with fewer woodwinds and brass, though strings remain large. Size depends on the repertoire and budget.

How are modern orchestras staffed?

Many musicians are contracted per performance, and relatively few are full-time salaried members.

Who wrote important orchestration treatises?

Berlioz and Rimsky-Korsakov.

What did Ravel say about writing an orchestration book?

He declined, saying he would have included all his “mistakes,” reminding us that even great composers made errors.

what is the order of the woodwinds on an orchestral score?

piccolo, flutes, oboes, eng. horn, clarinets, (sax if applicable), bassoons

what is the order of the brass in an orchestral score?

horns, trumpets, trombones, (euphonium if applicable), tuba

what is the order of the percussion section?

timpani, other percussion as notated in score

what is the order of the strings?

violin, viola, violoncello, double bass