Instruments and Timbre

Strings

Violin (soprano)

Viola (alto)

Violoncello (tenor)

Double bass (bass)

Brass

Trumpet (soprano)

French horn (alto)

Trombone (tenor)

Tuba (bass)

Woodwinds

Flute (soprano)

Oboe (alto)

Clarinet (tenor)

Bassoon (bass)

Woodwinds and their higher instrument

Flute ~ piccolo

English horn ~ oboe

Bass clarinet ~ clarinet

Contrabassoon - bassoon

Different sections in orchestra

Strings, woodwind, brass, percussion

Different ranges play different roles

Soprano - high pitched - usually melody

Alto - medium high - harmony/chords

Tenor - medium low - harmony/chords

Bass - low pitched - fundamentals

Timbre plus examples

Qualify or color of a sound; raspy, airy, metallic, sharp

4 ranges in music

Soprano - high pitched

Alto - medium high

Tenor - medium low

Bass - low pitched