Instrumentation Flashcards
What is the effect of the instrumentation changing rapidly throughout the piece?
There are many contrasts in timbre
How large is the orchestra for this piece?
Very large - 90 players at least (made up of strings, woodwind, a large brass section and percussion)
What are the performers frequently required to do?
Play at the extremes of their ranges - very high or low
Give examples of the sort of unusual effects used in the piece?
The cymbals are played with both a mallet and a cello bow and at one point the double basses play a tremolo very close to the bridge that supports their strings
What is a tam-tam?
A large gong
What is a piccolo?
A small flute (sounds an octave higher than written in score)
What is a Cor Anglais?
A lower version of the Oboe
What is the Bass Clarinet?
A large clarinet (sounds an octave lower than a standard clarinet)
What is a Contrabassoon?
A large bassoon (sounds an octave lower than written)
