How many bass drums in the orchestra?

Answer 1

A small orchestra typically has woodwinds in pairs, medium or normal orchestra has them in threes, and a larger orchestras has woodwinds in fours. This means: 2 bassoons or; 2 bassoons and 1 doubler (bassoon and contrabassoon) or; 3 bassoons and 1 doubler. This often varies, and composers sometimes purposely organize the orchestra unbalanced. 2-3 bassoons is often what you'll find, a professional orchestra usually has a standard of 3 with the option of having 5 (2 more).

Answer 2

It depends on the age/height of the player. For example, younger bass players in junior orchestras may use a 1/4 size bass whereas older/taller players may use 7/8 or 3/4 or full size. It simply depends on the player- there isn't a size that all Bassists have to use in orchestras.

Answer 3

There is no specific answer to this question as it depends on the nature of the music being played and the context within which it is being played.

In a general sense:

• a baroque work will have 1 bass in the context of an orchestra of 10-15.
• a classical work will have 2-4 basses in the context of an orchestra of around 20-35.
• a romantic work will have 4-8 basses in the context of an orchestra up to 80.

For a full time professional orchestra of say 80 players they will have around 6 bass players on full time and bring in casuals when the repertoire requires it.

Answer 4

Usually around 4-6 in a professional orchestra. Youth orchestras tend to have less than that, about 2-4.

Answer 5

usually 2 or 3 depending on the performed piece

Answer 6

it depends the music piece not all orchestras are made the same way, E.G some orchestras can be only strings, like a string quaret.

Answer 7

There are usually 8 in a full orchestra.