13.5: The Classical Orchestra
Composition of the Classical Orchestra
The classical orchestra is considerably smaller than the modern symphony orchestra: fewer strings, no more than two of the same instruments in woodwind and brass sections can be used, and the percussion section contains only a very few instruments.
The typical classical orchestra contains the following:
Woodwinds
- 2 Flutes
- 2 Oboes
- 2 Clarinets (Bb, C, or A)
- 2 Bassoons
- Brass
- 2 Horns
- 2 Trumpets
- Percussion
- 2 Timpani
- Strings
- 12 Violins I
- 10 Violins II
- 8 Violas
- 8 Violoncellos
- 6 Double basses
Listen: Haydn’s Orchestra (Symphony No. 94)
- Strings: Violins 1, Violins 2, Violas, Cellos and Double Basses
- Woodwinds: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes
- Brass: 2 French Horns, 2 Trumpets
- Percussion: Timpani
Listen: Beethoven’s Orchestra (Symphony No. 5)
- Strings: Violins 1, Violins 2, Violas, Cellos, Double Basses
- Woodwinds: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, 2 Clarinets, 1 Contrabassoon
- Brass: 2 French Horns, 2 Trumpets, 3 Trombones
- Percussion: Timpani