The Orchestra

Traditionally, when we think about an orchestra we are envisioning an ensemble comprised of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. However, over the past three centuries the constituency has ranged far and wide. From the smaller chamber orchestra to the grand symphony orchestra the number of players can be as little as 12 to as much as 112. The size of the orchestra depends on the repertoire being played as well as the financial resources of the organization.

Here are three sample sizes:

Mozart Orchestra Berlioz Orchestra Stravinsky Orchestra

1 flutes 2 flutes (piccolo doubled) 5 flutes (piccolo, alto)​
2 oboes 2 oboes (English horn doubled) 5 oboes (English horn)​
2 bassoons 2 clarinets (piccolo doubled) 5 clarinets

(piccolo, bass)​
2 French horns 4 bassoons 5 bassoons

(contrabassoon)​
2 trumpets 4 French horns 8 French horns

timpani 4 trumpets 5 trumpets

(piccolo, bass)​
6 violin I 3 trombones 3 trombones​
6 violin II 2 tubas 2 tubas​
4 violas 2 timpanists 2 timpanists​
3 cellos 1 percussionist 3 percussionists​
1 string bass 2 harps​
14 violin I 16 violin I​
12 violin II 14 violin II​
10 violas 12 violas ​
10 cellos 10 cellos​
8 string bass 8 string basses

Each instrumental group has a principal player. They are responsible for making sure the section plays synchronously and they perform the solos. The leader of the first violins is known as the concert master, a prestigious position. There are currently six Class A orchestras in America: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. They have the biggest budgets and the best players. All players are chosen by audition. Those who audition have been invited from other orchestras or conservatories. Once chosen it is a lifetime position, unless old age or health reduce the level of their playing abilities. Until the later years of the 20th century all major orchestras were men only clubs. Women were excluded for any number of spurious reasons, but things have been changing slowly but surely. A few orchestras even have a woman conductor!

Running an orchestra requires a sizable support staff and can be very expensive. Many orchestras in America have been faced with financial difficulties because the federal and state governments do not see fit to support the arts as they do in other places in the world.