Music Appreciation Course
No2. The Orchestra and its Instruments

This Course will give you an introduction to the instruments found in the modern symphony orchestra. You will be able to gain an idea of the different types of instruments that make up the orchestra, their origin, sound and something about the special qualities of each of them.

Many of these instruments have a long and interesting history associated with them, but giving a complete account of these histories is beyond the scope of this Course. A Suggested Reading list is found at the end which will assist you in going into more detail on any topic but please feel free to contact us if you need further assistance.

Begin this Course: 1.2 The Orchestra

1.1 Introduction: About this Course

1.2 The Orchestra

1.3 Types of Instruments in the Orchestra

1.4 The Sections of the Orchestra

1.5 Positioning or placement of the instruments and sections

1.6 The Conductor

1.7 The Instruments

1.8 The Music Examples

2.1 - 2.4 THE STRING SECTION

2.1 The Violin

2.2 The Viola

2.3 The Cello

2.4 The Bass (Double Bass)

2.5 - 2.8 THE WOODWIND SECTION

2.5 The Flute

2.6 The Oboe

2.7 The Clarinet

2.8 The Bassoon

2.9 - 2.12 THE BRASS SECTION

2.9 The Trumpet

2.10 The French horn

2.11 The Trombone

2.12 The Tuba

2.13 - 2.19 THE PERCUSSION AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS

2.13 The Tympani (Kettle Drums)

2.14 The Side (Snare) Drum

2.15 The Bass Drum

2.16 The Cymbals

2.17 Gongs

2.18 Tuned Percussion

2.19 Other Percussion

3.0 Conclusion

3.01 Further Reading

3.02 The Music Sources

© 4MBS CLASSIC FM 2007

Text: Richard Austin and Gary Thorpe © 2007 Music Broadcasting Society of Queensland