Music Appreciation :: essays research papers

The musicians ar divided into four main groups called sections (1) thestring section, (2) the forestwind instrument instrument section, (3) the brass section, (4) and the percussion section section. The various instruments in the string, woodwind, andbrass section argon pitched in different retchs, like voices in a choir. In thefollowing discussion, the instruments in apiece of these sections are listed in theorder from those of the highest range to those of the lowest. Some percussioninstruments are also tuned to definite pitches, but nigh of them have anindefinite pitch.The string section is the heart of a unison orchestra. It has morethan half of the musicians and consists of from 20 to 32 violins, 8 to 10violas, 8 to 10 cellos, and 6 to 10 string basses. The violinists are dividedinto ii groups of equal size. The first violins play the highest-pitched partin the string section, and the guerrilla violin play the next highest. The leadingfirst violinist serves as concertm aster of the orchestra. the concertmasterdirects the other musicians in tuning their instruments and may also be theorchestras assistant conductor.The woodwind section consists chiefly of flutes, oboes, clarinets, andbassoons. An orchestra has from 2 to 4 of each of these instruments. Themusicians in this section also play various other woodwind instruments whena score requires them to do so.The brass section consists of 2 to 5 trumpets, 2 to 8 French horns, 2 to4 trombones, and 1 tuba.The percussion section includes two or more timpani, or kettle drums,bells and cymbals wood blocks and bass drum, gong, snare drum, triangle,tambourine and xylophone.The conductor knows that each of these sections are crucial to the sullen necessary for the score, therefore, he or she designs the seatingarrangement to produce a certain blend of sounds. The basic seatingarrangements are as follows the string form a semicircle around theconductor the woodwind instruments are arranged in the center, wit h thepercussion and brass sections at the rear.The musicians have umpteen responsibilities. Some of theseresponsibilities are to be prepared to work hard to progress to the perfection thatthe conductor needs to make the score sound right, be prepared and on timeto all rehearsals, to behave appropriately at a concert and rehearsals to insurethat the conductor has their total attention and the musicians are focused, and,ultimately, listen to the conductors instructions. They must remember thatthe conductor is the psyche in charge, and, although they may not alwaysagree with the way that he or she feels about the music, they are to play their