Development of the Orchestra

Question 1

How was harmonic support provided in the Baroque orchestra?

Answer 1

Through a basso continuo (usually on a harpsichord).

Question 2

How were winds used in the Baroque orchestra?

Answer 2

Sparingly. Very sparingly. They were considered optional.

Question 3

What are the instruments in a classical orchestra?

Answer 3

4-part strings.
2 flues.
2 oboes.
2 clarinets.
2 bassoons (being independent unique little snowflakes).
2 or 4 horns.
2 trumpets.
Timpani.

Question 4

How did technical developments at the beginning of the eighteenth century create improvements?

Answer 4

They improved tone and pitch range, the keyboard continuo was no longer needed and thus fell into decline.

Question 5

Which symphonies do you want to bring up when talking about the increasing size of the orchestra?

Answer 5

Mozart, Symphony No. 38 (1787).
Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 (1824).
Wagner, ‘Parsifal’ (1882).
Mahler, Symphony No. 8 (1906).

Question 6

How big was Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 (1787)?

Answer 6

Strings, 6 winds, 4 brass, timpani.

Question 7

How big was Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (1824)?

Answer 7

Strings, 9 winds, 8 brass, a range of percussion, a range of vocals.

Question 8

How big was Wagner’s ‘Parsifal’ (1882)?

Answer 8

Strings, 15 winds, 11 brass, 2 harps, a range of percussion, a range of vocals.

Question 9

How big was Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 (1906)?

Answer 9

Strings, 22 winds, 23 brass, 4 harps, organ, harmonium, piano, mandolin, celesta, 2 choirs, children’s choir, vocal soloists.