Why does the number of violins in an orchestra vary?

Answer 1

Because unlike winds and brass in which there is a set number of parts, i.e. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trumpet, the 1st and 2nd violin parts only very generally convey the composer's means, and most composers will say a large or small string section depending on what they have in mind, but composers rarely have a set number of string parts in their head, as opposed to winds or brass because violins don't carry as well in the context of the orchestra.

Background (kinda): There can be anywhere from 1 to like 100 violin players in an orchestra. There are usually 2 parts (1st and 2nd violin) and they split it half 1st half 2nd. Sometimes there are like 5 different violin parts.

Actual answer: The reason they vary is generally because of how many people are in the orchestra and they just split it. Also it is because of how loud the conductor wants the violins to be

Answer 2

Individual string instruments are much quieter than the other families of instruments playing in an orchestra. So the string section has to reinforce their sound by having multiple instruments playing the same part. It is also true that the lower in pitch the range of a string instrument is, the louder it is (to human ears) thus the violins need more instruments per part than the violas, who need more instruments per part than the cellos, who in turn need more instruments per part than the double basses, who only need a few more instruments per part than the remaining instruments of the wind and brass sections

Also, there are 2 parts or 3 different parts, first violins, second violins and sometimes and rarely 3rd violins but usually instead of 3rd violins there are violas. The two parts play different notes causing a different variety of music than a few violins would provide.

Answer 3

Technically, the violins don't tune the orchestra. The Oboe gives a concert A. The concert master/mistress indicates when to tune. This person is usually a violinist. The violins are usually the closest instruments to the front of the stage and the conductor.

Answer 4

First Violins and Second Violins.

First Violins typically take the high registers and the melody. Second Violins play the lower parts and are an 'echo' to the first violins, though they can play in unison, or have the melody.

Answer 5

A single string instrument isn't especially loud, so a larger section is needed for proper balance.