type of orchestra

Question 1

Baroque orchestra

Answer 1

– small in size, mainly strings, flute oboe and perhaps some trumpets and French horns. Usually features a harpsichord – listen out for the harpsichord as this will be the giveaway! Also listen out for lots of decoration

Question 2

Classical orchestra

Answer 2

– bigger in size than a Baroque orchestra, features the clarinet. Classical music is all about balance, so phrases of equal number of bars – lots of ‘question’ and ‘answer’ phrases with each section ending in perfect cadences

Question 3

Romantic orchestra

Answer 3

– very big, with equally big sound. Also known as the symphony orchestra. Much more use of brass and percussion. Lots of chromatic notes (meaning that notes which don’t belong to the key the music is written in are used). Romantic music sounds mushy and lovey!

Question 4

20th/21st-century orchestra

Answer 4

– as big as a romantic orchestra, but with much more dissonance and clashing sounds. People find most styles from this period as angular and spiky – not necessarily pleasant to listen to.

Question 5

String orchestra

Answer 5

– a large ensemble with only strings playing

Question 6

Woodwind orchestra

Answer 6

– a large ensemble with only woodwind playing

Question 7

Brass orchestra

Answer 7

– a large ensemble with only brass playing

Question 8

Percussion orchestra

Answer 8

• a large ensemble with only percussion playing

Question 9

Wind band

Answer 9

– a mixture of woodwind and brass instruments. (The term band would suggest music of varying genres, such as jazz).

Question 10

Chamber orchestra

Answer 10

– small orchestra. Listen out for a small combination of instruments from all families, but usually without percussion