Development of the Orchestra in the Symphony Flashcards
What was the concept of ‘families’ in the Baroque Period?
The concept of ‘families’ wasn’t really in use in the Baroque Period. A lot of times there wasn’t even specific instrumentation. Hence the ‘continuo’.
Which group was the most important in Baroque orchestras?
In the Baroque period, the strings were arguably the most important group – music was written for them to take leading roles.
Why were woodwind and brass instruments limited in the Baroque period?
Woodwind and brass had regular issues with construction or were limited in what they could do, functioning largely in a harmonic role.
What was the size range of orchestras in the Baroque period?
Orchestras would range from 10 – 30 instruments, depending on the orchestra.
What is the basso continuo?
The basso continuo was a common compositional technique in Baroque music where a bassline was given with figures underneath for improvisation.
What are ‘continuo instruments’?
Continuo instruments typically refer to a low register player (cello, bassoon, etc.) that plays the bassline and an accompaniment instrument (chordal) like a harpsichord.
How did Classical orchestras differ from Baroque orchestras?
Classical orchestras began to standardise the ‘families’ – Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, and Strings.
What changes occurred in the role of woodwinds during the Classical period?
Woodwinds started to gain more leading roles, often taking the main melodic lines.
What was the size of Classical orchestras?
Classical orchestras were around 30-60 players.
What innovations occurred in the Romantic period regarding brass instruments?
The invention and wider usage of valves in brass instruments allowed for greater use of melodic material.
How large could orchestras be by the end of the Romantic period?
There could be over 100 players in the orchestra by the end of the Romantic period.
What replaced the recorder in the Baroque period?
In the Baroque period, the recorder was replaced by the flute.
What brass instruments were present in the Baroque period?
3 Trumpets and 2 Corni da caccia (hunting horn) were present in the Baroque Period.
What percussion instruments were added in the Classical period?
More ‘exotic’ instruments such as the triangle, snare, bass drum, tambourine, and cymbals were added.
What family had the smallest level of development in orchestras?
The string section had the smallest levels of development.
How did the string section evolve moving into the Classical period?
The string section became standardised, and initially cello and bass were written together but were later separated.
