answersLogoWhite

0

The instrumentation of the Classical orchestra: Of course the strings (violin I and II, viola, cello and bass) were in evidence along with the transverse Flute, clarinets (Mozart especially), oboes, bassoons, horns (valveless), trumpets (valveless), trombones used sparingly, (Mozart used them, more commonly called sackbuts, in some overtures, operas, and in sacred works such as his requiem), kettle drums and a few percussion instruments such as side drums, triangle and cymbals. This is by no means the full extent of instrumentation extant in various performance ensembles of the Classical period, including the transition instruments found in the inevitable elisions from the preceding Baroque and into the following Romantic periods. Consult the Harvard Dictionary of Music by Willi Apel and for fun look into James Galway's Music in Time for more insight into the period and the variations of instruments played by "classical" musicians.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Music & Radio

When where instruments added to the orchestra?

Instruments have been added to the orchestra over centuries, with significant expansions occurring during the Baroque period (1600-1750) when strings and woodwinds became standard. The Classical period (1750-1820) saw the introduction of brass instruments and percussion, enhancing the orchestra's range and depth. The Romantic period (19th century) further expanded the orchestra with more diverse instruments and larger ensembles, establishing the modern symphony orchestra we recognize today. Each era contributed to the evolving sound and complexity of orchestral music.


What is one importain thing that happened during the classical era of music?

The modern orchestra was first introduced during the classical period. Classical composers developed the genres of symphony and classical concerto (solo instrument and orchestra). Among the pioneer classical composers stand F. J. Haydn and W. A. Mozart.


Did the size of the orchestra decrease in size during the classical era after the Baroque?

False, it increased!


What is the difference between the old orchestra and the orchestra now?

Intruments have gone trough several changes during that time being. The orchestra now has the classical guitar in some movements.


What is the difference between a jazz orchestra and a classical orchestra?

I believe the most single difference between the two is the size. In many instances, a city, etc will board two groups usually made up of many of the same number. In the "old": days because of economical constraints, the smaller group was thought to play somewhat lighter classics, [and] probably would not attempt "The Ting" (Wagner, Beethoven's 9th.) Today I think probably the line is more vague, or perhaps on (the smaller) would perhaps more light classical, if not downright parochial. {one amateurish explanation!} Different answer than from above: It's pretty simple, the classical orchestra was the orchestra during the classical period, i.e the later 1700s, the time of Mozart, Haydn and the like. The orchestras consisted of strings, simple brass instruments like the the natural trumpet and the slide trombone, clarinets, flutes, bassoon sometimes. The percussion section was pretty much just Timpani. As time has moved on the orchestra has had things added. The horn in the 1800s, various percussion instruments etc. What you have to remember was that the strings during the classical period were the main orchestra and the winds were there for colour, whereas when we move on to the romantic period colour became much more important and in a lot of modern music, tone colour and sound is more important than melody and harmony in the classical sense.

Related Questions

When where instruments added to the orchestra?

Instruments have been added to the orchestra over centuries, with significant expansions occurring during the Baroque period (1600-1750) when strings and woodwinds became standard. The Classical period (1750-1820) saw the introduction of brass instruments and percussion, enhancing the orchestra's range and depth. The Romantic period (19th century) further expanded the orchestra with more diverse instruments and larger ensembles, establishing the modern symphony orchestra we recognize today. Each era contributed to the evolving sound and complexity of orchestral music.


Which instruments would you find in a romantic period orchestra in the woodwind section that you would not find in a baroque period orchestra?

Strings, woodwinds and percussion instruments were used in the romantic period orchestra. Small scale instruments were used during this period.


What is one importain thing that happened during the classical era of music?

The modern orchestra was first introduced during the classical period. Classical composers developed the genres of symphony and classical concerto (solo instrument and orchestra). Among the pioneer classical composers stand F. J. Haydn and W. A. Mozart.


Did the size of the orchestra decrease in size during the classical era after the Baroque?

False, it increased!


What is the difference between the old orchestra and the orchestra now?

Intruments have gone trough several changes during that time being. The orchestra now has the classical guitar in some movements.


What is the difference between a jazz orchestra and a classical orchestra?

I believe the most single difference between the two is the size. In many instances, a city, etc will board two groups usually made up of many of the same number. In the "old": days because of economical constraints, the smaller group was thought to play somewhat lighter classics, [and] probably would not attempt "The Ting" (Wagner, Beethoven's 9th.) Today I think probably the line is more vague, or perhaps on (the smaller) would perhaps more light classical, if not downright parochial. {one amateurish explanation!} Different answer than from above: It's pretty simple, the classical orchestra was the orchestra during the classical period, i.e the later 1700s, the time of Mozart, Haydn and the like. The orchestras consisted of strings, simple brass instruments like the the natural trumpet and the slide trombone, clarinets, flutes, bassoon sometimes. The percussion section was pretty much just Timpani. As time has moved on the orchestra has had things added. The horn in the 1800s, various percussion instruments etc. What you have to remember was that the strings during the classical period were the main orchestra and the winds were there for colour, whereas when we move on to the romantic period colour became much more important and in a lot of modern music, tone colour and sound is more important than melody and harmony in the classical sense.


How did the orchestra change during the time of Mozart and Haydn?

During the time of Mozart and Haydn, the orchestra underwent significant expansion and evolution, both in size and instrumentation. The string section became more prominent, while woodwinds and brass instruments were increasingly included, enhancing the richness of the sound. Additionally, the emergence of the symphonic form and the development of distinct orchestral roles for different instruments marked a shift towards more complex and expressive compositions. This transformation laid the groundwork for the classical symphony and influenced future orchestral music.


What instruments were invented during 170-1914?

Most of the musical instruments used in a modern orchestra were invented between AD 170 and AD 1914. All the surgical instruments used before the first world war. No electronic instruments.


Did the modern orchestra developed during the Baroque period?

The modern orchestra began to take shape in the Baroque period (approximately 1600-1750), as composers started to write more complex music that required a variety of instruments. This era saw the establishment of string sections and the inclusion of woodwinds, brass, and percussion, setting the foundation for the orchestral ensemble. However, the fully developed modern orchestra, as we know it today, emerged later during the Classical and Romantic periods, with further expansion and standardization of instrument groups.


What kind of tuning system did musicians during the baroque period?

The instruments were tuned to the Oboe which could keep the tune up and not like the string instruments which got out of tune. Remember the Baroque orchestra did not have standardization.


What is the difference between chamber music and orchestral music?

Orchestral music is, simply, music composed for an orchestra. "Classical" is a period (c. 1750 to 1820) in music histoy, however people often use the term classical to describe all western music of a high standard.


Where do percussion instruments sit?

Percussion instruments are typically placed at the back of the orchestra or ensemble, behind the string, woodwind, and brass sections. They are situated in a designated area known as the percussion section, which allows for easy access when changing between different instruments during a performance.