Basic Facts About Orchestral Instruments

Answer 1

The traditional symphony orchestra was created in Europe during the early 1700s. Early orchestras were small compared to the symphonies of today, but they still contained the same blend of instrument types. Strings, winds, and percussion combined to create the orchestral music that is still listened to and performed in symphony halls around the world today.

Winds and Brass

Wind instruments are classified as anything that is blown through to produce a sound. This classification is separated into two distinct types: brass and woodwind. Brass instruments, like trumpets, trombones, and tubas, are generally made completely from metal that is bent to produce certain distinctive tones. Brass mouthpieces are also made from metal, and the musician creates notes by buzzing their lips against the mouthpiece. Woodwinds include the Flute, Clarinet, and bassoon among others. Most woodwinds are made from different types of hardwood, and the sound is created by blowing past a small reed in the mouthpiece. Flutes are the only exception, and they produce a tone by blowing across a small hole in the instrument.

Strings

Stringed instruments come in several different sizes, but they share a similar shape. The strings include violins, violas, cellos, and basses. All of them have bases that are made from a soft wood and shaped in a sort of hourglass design. A narrow neck extends from the base of the instrument, and four strings are stretched across the neck and base. The tone is produced by drawing a bow across the strings and using your fingers to make the strings longer or shorter depending on the note you want to produce.

Percussion

Percussion instruments provide the structure for most symphonic pieces. They include anything that is struck to produce the appropriate note or tone the composer requires. Pianos are considered percussion instruments because their notes are produced when a hammer strikes the string within the instrument. Other percussion instruments include any type of drum, cymbal, or other item that is struck with the hand or a stick. Some percussion instruments are shaken to produce an appropriate sound for a piece of music. Hands and feet can even be used as percussion instruments in some symphonic works..