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Topic: Full Orchestra (Read 4423 times) previous topic - next topic

Full Orchestra

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.

Re: Full Orchestra

Reply #1 –
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)

Re: Full Orchestra

Reply #2 –
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...
 

Re: Full Orchestra

Reply #4 –
During a rehearsal, someone asked "What is a full orchestra?"
I answered "An orchestra that's had enough to eat."