The instruments that make up an orchestra have changed since Mozart’s time. The way that they are grouped together has changed, too.
By the end of the 18th century, the harpsichord was no longer used. It was replaced by the fortepiano which could be played with much more depth and richness. The organ was not generally used in orchestras after this period, except for church music.
Orchestras always have at least eight instruments, one of which must be a violin. Musical instruments are divided into four types.
Percussion
Percussion instruments are instruments that are struck, such as the piano, the harpsichord, the clavier, drums, cymbals, and xylophone.
Strings
String instruments are played by vibrating strings. The violin, viola, violoncello, and bass viol are all string instruments.
Woodwinds
Woodwinds are played by blowing on a reed or across an opening. The flute, clarinet, oboe, English horn, saxophone, and bassoon are woodwinds.
Brass
Brass instruments such as the coronet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba are played by blowing into a circular mouthpiece. |