The Orchestral Sections and Instruments

An entire universe of sound.

The orchestra is a complex beast. It's a large musical organization with up to 100 instrumentalists and each plays a specific role in the bigger whole.

This chapter is a first introduction to the sections of an orchestra and the instruments that make up those sections. We’ll learn what they do and why they're important to the ensemble.

Classical vs. Hybrid orchestral music

From a modern composer's perspective, there are two types of orchestras: The more traditional 'classical' orchestra and the cinematic 'hybrid' orchestra.

• The classical orchestra is defined by how it sounds and is made up. Classical music is often considered 'classical' simply if it was written before the 1900s. Some of these composers include Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Stravinsky, Mozart, and Beethoven. The term 'classical' can also describe music written after the 1900s with the same stylistic characteristics as the classical period. The typical classical setup consists of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It is powerful enough to fill a concert hall with sound but delicate enough to play high-speed passages without blurring together.
• Cinematic orchestral music is considered 'hybrid' if it involves synthetic or electronic instruments. The sound of this modern style originates from current film scores and video game soundtracks. Hybrid orchestras mix acoustic instruments (strings/woodwinds/brass) and electronic instruments (synthesizers), creating the genre's signature sound. This synergy makes it possible to build huge walls of sounds very fast.

There are a few things that make the hybrid orchestral genre so powerful:

1. It has a big sound that quickly establishes a significant presence.
2. The sonic palette is not limited by the natural sounds of instruments alone.
3. It can be used in any genre or style of film or game score. Hybrid Orchestras are incredibly adaptive to meet the newest trends.

In contrast, classical orchestras follow established conventions that have been proven for centuries. 

There is a large audience for both ends of the spectrum.

In this guide, I will consider both orchestral music styles: Classical and hybrid cinematic. Personally, I write both kinds but lean more toward the modern style used in trailer music and video game soundtracks. 

String section

The string section is the largest and one of the most versatile parts of the orchestra.

String instruments are incredibly expressive and have the power to evoke emotions from the deepest sorrow to the highest joy. 

The players don't rely on breathing to produce sounds like woodwinds or brass instruments. Therefore, they can play long passages without quickly getting tired.

The section consists of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Each instrument has its own unique sound, and each has a different role in an orchestra.

In terms of function, strings perform most of the melodies and harmonies in an orchestral piece. Still, they can also add lush and elegant texture. Strings are flexible powerhouses for both classical and modern cinematic music.

It's my favorite section because the string family resonates with an energy that propels both the orchestra and my own feelings to a higher level.

Violins

The violin is the smallest, highest-pitched instrument in the string family. It is also the most popular instrument in classical music. 

The violin plays in a higher range than any other member of its family. The instrument typically has four strings tuned in perfect fifths and can play a note range from G3 to E7 or higher (!). It's most commonly played by drawing a bow across its strings, though it can also produce sounds by plucking the strings with the fingers (pizzicato technique).

It's bowed with a horsehair bow and held under the chin by an adjustable shoulder rest; this allows for greater freedom of movement during performance.

The fingerboard has a nut at its upper end and a bridge at its lower end. The strings pass over the bridge and have their ends thread through holes at their top ends so they can be tightened or loosened with tuning pegs. The violin's body is hollowed inside and covered with a thin layer of wood called the soundboard.

"The true mission of the violin is to imitate the accents of the human voice, a noble mission that has earned for the violin the glory of being called the king of instruments." - Belgian violinist/composer Charles Auguste de Bériot (1802-1870)

Violins often play the melody, providing a high, clear sound that is often used to convey emotion. Violins are often given vital parts in an orchestral composition.

Violas

The viola plays one octave lower than the violin. They are held under the chin like violins, and despite violas being marginally larger than violins, they look almost alike.

If you're a violinist, you might wonder what anyone would do with a viola. In fact, violinists are known to crack the occasional joke about the viola. 

Well, here's the answer:

The viola often fills out harmonies and largely contributes to making the strings section sound fuller. Violists usually take care of the inner voices within a harmonic texture and support other instruments by reinforcing specific notes. Due to its rich timbre, they can take over soaring melodies or double the violins an octave below.

Cellos

Cellos are lower-pitched than violins and violas but higher-pitched than basses. The cello is said to have a similar range to the human voice and is similarly versatile in its functions. 

Cellos are also very warm-sounding compared to other instruments with higher notes like violins or flutes.

Held between the knees like a small double bass, the cello sometimes plays melodies but often functions as part of the harmony in orchestral music. It can double the bass notes, support parts played by other instruments, or provide a low drone effect, especially in cinematic music.

The cello is often used as a solo instrument, either standalone or both in classical and hybrid orchestras. The most well-known solo cello piece is probably Bach's Suite No. 1 in G Major (BWV 1007).

Because of its voice-like range and lyrical expressiveness, the cello is often used in covers of popular songs these days.

Double Basses

The double basses are the largest instruments in the string family. The double bass is enormous and deep-voiced at more than six feet tall. It is most often used to play root notes as the foundation.

The double bass is the string section’s lowest-pitched instrument, sounding an octave lower than the cello. It provides a solid bass line for the rest of the instruments to build on and is indispensable for filling the low end of the frequency spectrum. It gives rhythm and adds depth and richness to the overall sound of the orchestra.

Double basses are generally bowed but also often plucked for a warm, percussive pizzicato sound due to their voluminous, resonating body. 

When you hear a double bass in an orchestra, it often plays the bottom note of chords or walking basslines. 

The double bass is not an easy instrument to learn how to play well. However, once mastered, it's a rewarding experience that produces deep, resonant tones throughout an entire hall or concert stage.

Conclusion

Overall, the string family is extremely important in classical orchestral music, but also in music for Film and TV, video games, or trailers. It can add a certain sense of drama and emotion to the music. 

If a composer is looking for an instrument to evoke such feelings, they would be wise to look within the string section of an orchestra rather than elsewhere. 

Yes, the instruments in the string family might not possess the same level of visceral punch present in brass or percussion. But there is no doubting their importance to the backbone of an orchestra. Whether you're writing classical or epic hybrid orchestral music. Whether you need suspense or light-heartedness: The strings will likely have a significant presence in your symphonic compositions.

Brass section

The brass section is one of the most powerful sections in an orchestra.

The brass instruments in the orchestra are played by forcing air through a cup-shaped mouthpiece. The shape of the mouthpiece makes the air come out in a column that vibrates in tune with the music being played. The vibrations create a sound wave that we hear as musical notes.

The brass section includes trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tubas. 

One specialty of brass instruments is that they can attach various types of mutes to heavily change the instrument's timbre.

Trumpets

Trumpets are the highest-pitched brass instrument and one of the loudest instruments in an orchestra.

Trumpet players use 3 valves to lower or raise the pitch of notes by one semitone each. Its primary function is to play melodies but also plays rhythmic passages and accents, especially in the style of fanfares both in classical and modern cinematic orchestral music.

Trumpet players must have strong lungs because they're required to hold their instrument at an angle while playing it. And they need good breath control, so they don't run out of air before finishing their piece! 

Apart from long notes and several types of shorts and repetitions, trumpets - and other brass section instruments - can use advanced techniques like flutter tongue, rips, and double-tonguing.

French horns

The modern French horn, or just horn, is made from a single sheet of brass rolled into a cylinder with a flared bell end. The bell end is bent back into itself to form an arched shape and then tightened with screws. 

The player blows into the mouthpiece, which directs the sound through the instrument's large circular central opening at its base. This opening can be closed off using either a thumb valve or rotary valves spun by hand.

The French horn is one of the most popular instruments in orchestral music for two main reasons:

French horns are used in many classical pieces to play richly textured passages that add depth to the music. 

But especially in hybrid cinematic music, they are definitely in the top 3 of most iconic orchestral instruments. Why? Because of their ability to shout out heroic melodies like no other orchestra instrument.

The horn section is an undisputed staple in modern epic orchestral music. Usually, it leaves no question about who's the boss in the main theme. Though many classical film score gems, e.g. by John Williams (Indiana Jones, Star Wars), have the trumpet responsible for the bold, majestic statements, there is a clear shift toward the horns in modern soundtracks.

Trombones

The trombone has a powerful sound and can be heard clearly over all of the other instruments in an orchestra. This makes it an essential part of any musical score.

Trombones are lower-pitched than trumpets but still have a bright sound. Trombone players use a slide to change pitches instead of valves and usually play slower passages than, for example, trumpets do.

The slide can be moved in either direction (up or down) along its length. This movement creates different pitches depending on where you put it. It makes for a highly flexible instrument. They are not limited to specific keys or fingerings. They can play any note in any key by smoothly moving from one pitch to another.

Usually, when saying trombones, people mean tenor trombones specifically. There's also a lower-pitched brother called bass trombone, often called upon to play low notes for dramatic effect. In epic orchestral and hybrid orchestral tracks, the trombones frequently play fifths or chords above the bassline. 

Because of their clear sound, trombones can play chords even in low ranges without creating too much muddiness in the mix. Trombones play in a similar range as cellos and bassoons, and 3 trombones often harmonize to play a chord. 

Tubas

The tuba, a.k.a the bass tuba, is the lowest-pitched brass instrument in the orchestra and is typically used to play bass notes. The tuba has been used by composers ever since as a way to add power or drama. In addition to marches, it's also been used in military music and jazz compositions.

In opera, it's often used for low notes in the so-called "basso profundo" range that would be impossible for most people to sing.

In modern symphonic music, the tuba usually plays two types of parts:

1) sustained pitches (bass lines), which are typically played on long notes; and

2) short, loud notes to punctuate a piece or section of music (melodic figures).

Conclusion

The brass section is key to any orchestra and is best known for its loud, powerful sounds that can be heard over an entire orchestra. From the deep, rich sound of the tuba to the high, piercing notes of trumpets and trombones, these instruments provide a critical element in any piece of music. 

It's not just about their sound; they also add an impressive visual element to performances. Brass instruments, like trumpets and trombones, have a louder sound than the woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, and flutes). Each instrument has a different timbre or tone quality that makes it unique from other instruments in the same family.

Woodwind section

The woodwind section is one of the smallest sections in an orchestra. It consists of flutes, oboes, clarinets, and bassoons. 

The woodwind section plays a vital role in creating an orchestra's musical texture and harmony, despite being often overlooked in today's epic orchestral music due to not being as flashy as the strings or as powerful as the brass. But know this: A well-arranged woodwind section can make your heart melt.

Let's take a closer look at each instrument in this section.

Flutes

Flutes are the highest-pitched of the woodwind instrument family. They are made of wood, metal, and plastic in various combinations. The most common flute is a transverse flute, which is held horizontally. 

The standard flute range covers three octaves, from the middle C (C4) to C7.

When seeing one, you might wonder if the flute is a brass instrument because it's mostly made of metal. But know this: Not only were flutes historically made out of wood, but the material they are made of is actually secondary. 

Flutes are considered woodwind instruments for how they produce sound by splitting the incoming air against a lip plate or the edge of a reed. Brass instruments, on the other hand, such as trumpets and trombones, amplify the sound produced by a musician's vibrating lips. That's why flutes (and even the brassy-looking saxophones!) are considered woodwinds.

Other types of flutes include piccolos (the highest woodwind in an orchestra), alto flutes (larger and lower in pitch), and bass flutes (very large). Some composers use these different sizes because they want their music to sound like birds singing or something magical happening underwater!

Composer maestro John Williams is famous for using flute textures and fast runs in the high register (e.g., in legendary Hedwig's Theme from the Harry Potter OST). Still, they also play melodies in the upper octaves.

Oboes

Oboes are among the higher-sounding members of the woodwind family. The range of the oboe reaches from Bb3 to somewhere around G6.

Oboe notes sound quite nasal and piercing (or quacky) in the higher dynamics because they are double reed instruments.

The oboe is used in classical orchestras, military and marching bands, and folk music. Sometimes, you'll find it in jazz ensembles and big bands. Oboes are also frequently used to play solo lines in orchestral music, such as Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony. With its prominent sound, a single oboe solo can be easily heard in the concert hall.

A prominent cousin in the oboe family is the lower-pitched English horn, or cor anglais, which produces a more tamed, mellow sound. 

Clarinets

Clarinets have been around since the early 1700s.

They come in many sizes and variations: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass clarinets. Clarinets are known for their wide range producing everything from high soprano to low bass sounds, with the lowest note on bass clarinet reaching down to Bb1.

The clarinet has a rich, complex sound with many overtones or formants. In the orchestra, clarinets usually play lower to mid-range to give space for the flutes and oboes above. They blend very well with other instruments of the orchestra like the other woodwinds as well as French horns.

Bassoons

The bassoon is the lowest double-reed instrument. It has a soft, airy sound, but - as with all the other double reed woodwinds - you can also find some of that nasal flavor in its timbre.

The other member of the bassoon instruments is the lower-pitched contrabassoon, the largest wind instrument in an orchestra. It mostly doubles the bassline played by the tuba and double bass. 

Orchestral percussion section

The percussion section defines any orchestra. Let's be honest, all groups are important; else, they wouldn't have survived the centuries. But orchestral music would be dull and washy without the rhythmic accents and drive provided by the various drums, metals, shakers, and more.

Orchestral percussion includes a variety of instruments that produce sound by being hit or struck, such as drums, cymbals, and gongs. Other instruments have their own pitches by vibrating like wind chimes do. These include timpanis, xylophones, glockenspiels, and even tubular bells (among the most beloved instruments in cinematic music!).

Percussion instruments are lots of fun to play if you love music and rhythm. Unless you're that poor person who has to wait for a couple hundred bars just to play a few notes. But when your time comes, you shake the bones of everyone in the audience. 

But wait, if the percussion family is defined by being struck by something, then...

Is the piano a percussion instrument?

Or even a string instrument that should be placed next to violins and cellos? Pianos consist of dozens of strings struck by little hammers, right? And if none of these, what family is the piano in?

The piano is considered a chordophone (along with guitars and harps). Still, it is often seen as both a string and percussion instrument. There are different opinions among composers. In their DAWs, some composers add it to the percussion section; others prefer it separated at the very top or bottom of the template. There's no right or wrong here. Really, don't worry too much about it :)

Untuned vs. Tuned percussion

There are two types of percussion instruments: tuned and untuned. The difference is in the way they're designed. 

Untuned percussion doesn't produce distinct pitches and primarily serves rhythmic functions. 

In contrast, tuned percussion allows for greater accuracy when playing music with other instruments because each note can be played at its exact pitch. 

Untuned percussion

Here's an overview of some of the orchestra's most iconic untuned percussion instruments.

Concert bass drum

A concert bass drum, or gran casa, is a large, flat drum with two heads. It's played with mallets and used to keep the beat and mark changes in a piece of music.

They can define and emphasize certain parts by adding weight and function as a composition's heartbeat.

Snare drum

The snare drum is a shallow, circular drum with a snare strung across its lower head. The snare aims to produce that "snap" sound you hear in marches and military music. Like most orchestral percussion instruments, it has been adapted over time to fit into other styles of music such as jazz and rock.

In orchestral repertoire, the snare drum is often used as a solo instrument to add excitement or punctuate important passages.

Gong

A gong is a large metal disk that produces a loud, resonant sound. They are usually bronze or brass, but some are made from other metals such as steel or aluminum. Gong players use mallets to strike the edge of the gong to produce different pitches. Because they produce such an intense tone, gongs are often used as punctuation devices. You'll often hear them right before big crescendos or at climactic moments when there's no doubt about how excited everyone is for what's about to happen next!

Gongs can also be scraped for atmospheric effects that you'll often hear in tension or horror soundtracks.

Taikos

Traditionally used in Japanese folk music, these big Taiko drums are now used in many different styles of music worldwide for various reasons. The most common reason for using them is to create loud booming sounds that reverberate throughout the hall or stadium where they are being played.

You'll often see Taikos in big ensembles with impressive choreographed performances. They are an essential part of epic percussion in cinematic music. You will understand why if you load up a taiko patch in your DAW or visit a live performance.

Cymbals

The cymbal is a metal disc that produces a loud, high-pitched sound. Striking a cymbal creates a "crash" that's perfect for adding energy to a new song part. Outside of the orchestra, they are essential to every modern drum kit.

Cymbals are responsible for one of the most frequently (and most stereotypically) used effects in epic orchestral music: The cymbal swell. The percussionist repeatedly hits the cymbal to create a swelling crescendo that escalates into a massive climax. If you hear a cymbal swell, you know hell is about to break loose.

Cymbals come in various sizes and shapes, such as crashes, rides, hi-hats, or china cymbals. They are usually played with drumsticks or soft mallets.

Small percussion

Small percussion can be anything small enough to fit in your hand and make a sound when you strike it.

Shakers, for example, are great for adding a bit of rhythmic interest to any musical genre—jazz, rock, classical music. Because they're so easy to play and carry around (even during performances), there's no excuse not to own at least one shaker!

Triangles are frequently used as an ornament to introduce a new song part and to add color to the orchestra.

There are many other small percussion instruments like tambourines, castanets, hand drums, guiros, and countless others from all parts of the world. They are great for adding unique flavors to your compositions.

Tuned percussion

Let's take a look at typical examples for tuned percussion.

Timpani

Timpanis are awesome! They can be tuned to different notes, and you can set up multiple timpanis in front of you to play actual melodies - with drums!

A timpani consists of a single drum and a frame, which allows the player to change the drum's pitch by tightening or loosening the head. The timpani is used in both classical music and cinematic soundtracks. 

It can create various effects, depending on the piece being performed. Because of its tuned drums, it can double root notes of the double basses and tubas. But also create effects like timpani swells to announce new song sections and ramp up the intensity of a piece. You can go for a tighter, harsher sound with different mallets or keep things soft and mellow.

Xylophone, Marimba & Glockenspiel

These are tuned percussion instruments that look a bit like a piano keyboard. They are struck with mallets and produce pitched percussive sounds. High-pitched and ringing for the glockenspiel, mellow for the marimba, and short and clicky for the xylophone.

The glockenspiel is perfect for emphasizing specific notes of a melody. It adds sparkle and helps melodies pierce through the composition.

On the other hand, Marimbas and xylophones have an entirely unique, characteristic sound. The xylophone sound, for example, is often interpreted as playful and light-hearted, whereas marimbas sound sonorous and hollow.

Piano

The piano is a jack-of-all-trades instrument. Used in many musical genres, it has an extensive range and can produce both subtle and soft or thundering and loud notes.

The piano has 88 keys that can be played by striking or pressing down on them with the fingertips. A small hammer then strikes a corresponding string causing it to ring. Each key corresponds to a specific pitch (or note) on the keyboard. The piano also has pedals on its underside that can create various effects, like a sustained effect where multiple notes blend into each other. 

Pianos can play multiple notes at once. This ability to play chords, melodies, and harmonies simultaneously makes the piano the standard instrument for composers to sketch their musical ideas. It's also why DAWs use a "piano roll" to display the MIDI notes of your song. These notes are then transformed into sounds based on the virtual instrument or sample library you have loaded.

Harp

The harp has been around since ancient times! It's a plucked string instrument and another strings/percussion section hybrid like the piano. It's a chordophone because its sound comes from more than one string being played at once.

The modern harp has 47 strings plucked with your fingers, a plectrum (pick), and a complex array of 7 pedals to affect the tuning. 

Harps are perfect for enriching chords and textures and adding soft percussive accents to a harmonic bed. A signature harp sound is the typical harp glissando often used in soundtracks to suggest a romantic, mystical or dreamy mood.

Conclusion

So there you have it. The orchestra's percussion section is an integral and diverse part of the orchestra, bringing us both familiar and unique sounds.

There's always a need for percussion! As a percussionist, you can play multiple instruments in various styles and genres of music. Super cool!

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