The Orchestra Research Paper

An orchestra is an ensemble of string, brass, woodwind, percussion and keyboard instruments. The instruments found in each section have different tonal qualities, playing techniques and different ways of producing sound.

The string section consists of the violin, the viola, the cello, the double bass and even the harp. These instruments provide the greatest range of expression, intensity and modulation making the string section the foundation of the orchestra. String instruments provide lyrical and warm tones to an orchestra and the harp adds additional colour and delicacy to the string section. Sound is created by placing the bow on the strings of the instrument and sliding the bow across the strings to vibrate them, except for the harp whose strings are plucked. The pitch of each instrument will be modified based on the …show more content…
Brass instruments are commonly known to be instrument that create brilliant and blazing sounds. Sound is created by blowing into the cylindrically shaped mouthpiece to let air travel through the tube and come out at the bell shaped end. The air vibrates as it is travelling through the tube and a certain pitch will be created depending on which finger buttons is pressed down, whereas with the trombone a certain pitch will be created depending on the use of the slide. The tonal quality of the brass instruments is depicted through how the air channels through these instruments and how the brass instrumentalist compresses his lips – the tighter the instrumentalist compresses his lips the higher the note will be. Other means to create tonal quality is through high loudly the instrument is being played and whether or not a mute has been used; when a brass instrument is played softly a mellow sound is produced and using a mute will create a mysterious and menacing feeling. An example of two playing techniques used in the brass section are legato and