THE ORCHESTRA

INTRODUCTION
In ancient Rome around the 5th century BC., the term Orchestra appears for
the first time as the space destined for dancers, musicians and singers in open-air
stages. Historically the term appeared again towards the seventeenth century in
the Italian operas. The Italians suggest the term for the group of musicians that
accompanied these operas. The orchestra comes to consolidate in the classical
period thanks to composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn, among others.
It is in this period that it acquires the instrumentation and the form with which it is
currently known. During the nineteenth century the instrumentation was perfected.
Also, there are changes in the scenic disposition and the organization of each of
the sections. Actually, at present the terms refers to the set of musicians in any
kind of music. The orchestra is a good example of a collaborative group similarly to
a company, you can see how its structure and the organization of the sections.
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Development of the Orchestra
In an academic context, the Orchestra has had a development that dates
back to the Baroque period of music. At that time, the orchestras were making up
of old instruments such as baroque violins, violas da gamba, violons, flugelhorn,
oboes, trombos, among others. Afterwards, in the classical period, the orchestra
suffered from many changes as new instruments appeared and many others were
perfected. Mozart and Haydn, were the first that made many changes in the
structure of the orchestra; in some of their works they added second voices to the
wind instruments as trombos, bassons, clarinets, etc. Beethoven was the most
important composer who established the organization of the orchestra during the
classical period. In several of his symphonies, he uses instruments like
contrabassoon, piccolo flute, among others. In addition, Beethoven uses four horns
in his symphony called “la eroica”. Some years after his death, symphonic
instrumentation was faithful to Beethoven's well-established model, with few
exceptions.
Romantic period and XX century
During romanticism there was a considerable increase in orchestra density,
for example we can see three flutes, four horns, two trombons, two or three
trompets etc. Harp and piano appears frequently as members of the orchestra. The
vocal music in this period was separated to the instrumental music, so that the
composers explored the technical characteristics of the instruments. Also, it is in
this period that the figure of orchestra conductor appears as the direction is
necessary for many works that require it.
 The 20th-century orchestra was far more flexible than its predecessors
because the contemporary composers they added other instruments such as
electric guitar, electronic instruments such as synthesizers, non-Western
instruments, or other instruments not traditionally used in orchestra.
21st century: Conformation
The 21st century has had several transformations for the orchestra. We can
see changes in the layout of the scenario, different location of each of the sections,
among others. However, the main structure to the orchestra is the same
sometimes. The orchestra is currently formed as follows:
Woodwinds: 2-4 flutes (1 doubling piccolo), 2-4 oboes (1 doubling heckelphone
and/or cor anglais), 2-4 clarinets (1-2 doubling bass clarinet and/or Eb Clarinet), 2-
4 bassoons (1 doubling contrabassoon) (1 more saxophones of various types).

Brass: 4-8 German (usually double) horns in F/Bb (in France: French horns; in
Vienna: Vienna horns), 3-6 trumpets in Bb and C, 3-6 trombones (1-2 bass
trombones), 1-2 tubas, (1 or more baritone horns/ euphoniums), (1 or more
Wagner tubas)

Keyboards: 1 piano and 1 celesta

Strings: 16 1st Violins, 14 2nd Violins, 12 violas,10 cellos, 8 double basses. (1 or

more classical guitars of various types), 1-2 harps.

Percussion: 4-5 timpani (played by one timpanist), snare drum, tenor drum, bass
drum, cymbals, tam-tam, triangle, wood block, tambourine, glockenspiel,
xylophone, vibraphone, tubular bells, marimba, crotales, drum kit (in some works).

Other percussion instruments, including ethnic or world music instruments

specified by composers

Other: As required by the compositions in the program, various electric

instruments or electronic instruments may be used in the orchestra. These
performers are not typically permanent orchestra members. They are typically
freelancers hired on contract for one or more concerts. Instruments may include:

 theremin
 electric guitar
 electric bass
 synthesizer
 Other electronic musical instruments
 Non-musical instruments such as a typewriter or reel-to-reel tape player
Berlin Philarmonic
Orchestra types
The orchestra has undergone several transformations throughout history.
Currently there are several types of groups that receive the name of orchestra:
Symphony orchestra, philharmonic orchestra, string orchestra, wind orchestra,
youth orchestra, popular music orchestra, dance orchestra, chamber music
orchestra, jazz orchestra among others. The name depends on the number of
members.
Bogotá Young Chamber Orchestra Philarmonic
CONCLUSION
The orchestra as a company
One of the most outstanding analogies is that of comparing an orchestra
with a company, since its mode of operation is similar, with hierarchies and a
defined position within each section of the orchestra. The boss of the company is
called “conductor”, the person in charge of directing the works and giving an order
and musical ideas to the assembly of a certain repertoire. The next one in
hierarchical order is the concertmaster. He’s the person in charge of tuning the
orchestra and also contributing musical ideas; is the right hand of the conductor.
Then, there are section heads. Each section has its leader, for example the chief of
the first violins is the concertmaster, there is a chief of second violins, violas, cellos
and double basses, chief of woods and metals and a chief percussion. There must
be a coordination between the heads of each of the sections and the conductor of
the orchestra to carry out the great assemblies.
As you can see, an orchestra works in a similar way to a company.
Cooperative work, organization and respect for art make each montage a
wonderful experience for both the public and the performer.

Herbert von Karajan

OSCAR MAURICIO VILLAMIL RODRÍGUEZ