NoteWorthy Composer Forum

Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: Andrew W. on 2005-10-01 03:40 AM

Title: Full Orchestra
Post by: Andrew W. on 2005-10-01 03:40 AM
What exactly is the standard score order for a full orchestra? I know there's a help file in the scriptorium, but it just says "flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, etc." but it doesn't say HOW MANY flutes or HOW MANY clarinets there are. Sorry if this sounds a bit whiney.
Title: Re: Full Orchestra
Post by: ArcticWind7 on 2005-10-01 01:29 PM
There is no set standard orchestra.

The baroque era has a few, classical a bit more, romantic more still, and there is not really a limit on 20/21 century pieces.

A typical romantic orchestra:
12-16 first violins
12-16 first violins
8-12 Violas
8-12 Cellos
6-10 Basses
2 Harps
2 Flutes
1 Piccolo
2 Oboes
1 English Horn
2 Clarinets
1 High Eb clarinet
1 Bass Clarinet
2 Bassoons
1 Contrabassoon
4 French horns 2 trumpets
3 trombones
1 bass tuba
3 timpani
Bass drum
Snare drum
Cymbals
Triangle
Tubular Bells

Classical orchestra:
4-6 first violins
4-6 second violins
3-4 Violas
2 cellos
1 bass
2 flutes
2 oboes
2 clarinets*
2 bassoons
2 French horns
2 trumpets*
2 trombones*
2 timpani

*Optional

Baroque Orchestra
4-6 first violins
4-6 second violins
3-4 Violas
2 cellos
1 bass
2 Oboes
1 Bassoon
3 trumpets
2 Timpani
Harpsichord (Or organ)
Title: Re: Full Orchestra
Post by: Robin Øye on 2005-10-01 02:52 PM
Baroque orchestras:  All winds are more or less optional, depending on the work, and sometimes a theorbo (sp?) or "archlute" is present as a continuo instrument. As well, there can be flutes or recorders.  On the whole, things were more fluid with respect to instrumentation in those days...
Title: Re: Full Orchestra
Post by: Christian Grantz on 2005-10-17 01:46 AM
use what ever feels right
Title: Re: Full Orchestra
Post by: Guy Weisz on 2005-10-17 10:29 PM
During a rehearsal, someone asked "What is a full orchestra?"
I answered "An orchestra that's had enough to eat."